Eggshells - a play by Elise Linwood

Last October I started writing a play about my experience of being adopted. It started as a small piece, for a short play competition, but I soon realised it was growing into something bigger. It was surprising how quickly I wrote it. It was as if it had been there, ready to be said, all along. A major part of the play is music: Music that reflects how I've felt over the years as an adoptee.

I realised I wanted to put it on (acting / being myself) at a local theatre. I also wanted adopted people to have a platform for their voices to be heard too. More than that, I wanted to create a space for 'us' where there was a feeling of community and understanding. 

The process has had many challenges. I know my story is individual. Would other adoptees relate to it? By joining adoptee groups (to promote the play) I entered into a new world. I've never had adopted friends. Now I do... How amazing is that? I've also seen the common themes we all face, that 'communities' of adoptees exist and the threads that join us in shared experience. Not to say adoptees think alike. I've discovered there are many groups, sub-groups, attitudes, ways of making sense of being adopted. But it's been fun finally being part of a 'club', rather than a perpetual outsider. 

I've wondered how the play will be received and have been worried adopted people might find it upsetting. I hope not. I hope they find it confirmation that being adopted involves complex emotions. I hope they feel they have agency. Maybe the play might even be cathartic. I especially enjoyed constructing my narrative and having my voice, as an adopted person, finally heard. There are some funny parts too in the play, which helps!

Friends that have read the play have often called it 'heart-breaking'. I was happy that, as a piece of drama, it affects other people on such a deep level. Then, of course, when I reflected on their comments, it made me sad: That is my life and seen by others as a sorrowful, possibly tragic, tale. There are some hint of recovery, resolution, healing, in the play, but no happy ending...

It's also been very hard to rehearse: Speaking the words I have written again and again. Difficult thoughts (sometimes taboo) to think, and words to say. 

I hope people connect with the play, and that there are plenty of adopted people, plenty of 'us': To be together, to meet, chat, share and connect with our feelings, and each other. 

To book for 19th or 20th June 2026 in Surbiton.

About Elise

Adopted at birth, Elise Linwood takes the audience through a journey into the world of an adoptee. 

Through a unique blend of music, storytelling and personal testimony, she provides an arresting, sometimes jagged, and profoundly moving exploration of the lifelong impact of adoption. 

Adopted people are especially welcome, as are those interested in finding out more about the adopted experience. 

After the interval there will be a Q & A and discussion. Here adoptees can meet with others, share their stories and discuss the themes explored throughout the play. 

Eggshells is also being performed as part of the Edinburgh Free Fringe Festival from 8th-10th August.

For more information about 'Eggshells', or the Edinburgh dates, please contact: eggshellsplay@gmail.com