Jade Winters’ When We Were Us tells of a group of thirty-somethings, DJ (Emily Cordell), Kelli (Katie Hamilton), and Blake (Violet Grace), who are concerned about a friend of theirs, Brooke (Victoria Broom), who moved in with her new girlfriend, Moira (Lottie Bell), two years ago. Since then, their once close connection had dwindled to the point that the last time they saw her was at least a year ago, writes Linda Emmanuel.
The group received a call from Brooke’s mother, who is very concerned at not hearing from her daughter in a long while. She asked them to speak to her to find out what is going on with Brooke.
They all meet up, and after some discussion about a famous court case regarding abuse in relationships, they find out what Brooke had been going through. It turns out that Moira had been physically as well as mentally abusing Brooke, coercing her into giving up her job, plus selling up their home to move out of the country to cause even further isolation.
Brooke had been suffering in silence. She finally shows the bruises on her arm, resulting in DJ, Blake, and Kelli surrounding Brooke and pledging their support for her. Brooke resolves to end her marriage to Moira.
The theme of dysfunctional relationships is as wide as the ocean, but I do think this production handles the subject quite gently. The direction by Jade Winters directs the ensemble to convey a strong and many-faceted story. Each character has experienced abuse with those they love and trust, such as Kelli, witnessing her boyfriend’s nasty social media posts in relation to the court case, and DJ and Blake both had issues with their mothers, making them feel insignificant. In a flashback scene, we hear Moira say to Brooke, “Look what you made me do.” And off to Stockholm we go.
It is true, we don’t know what goes on behind closed doors, and none of us are perfect; however, it doesn’t mean ignoring our own inklings when we feel something isn’t right. Yes, we do have to tread carefully, patiently, and gently, as in this play. Those experiencing abuse are afraid as well as feeling shame, blaming themselves for things not working out as they’d hoped, in the case of Brooke; therefore, reassuring them and being in a safe space is the kindest thing to do.
I think ‘When We Were Us’ asks the question, ’Is it really the other person that causes another to become the abuser?’
Brockley Jack Studio Theatre, 410 Brockley Road, London, SE4 2DH
Box office: www.brockleyjack.co.uk or 0333 666 3366 (£1.80 fee for phone bookings only)
Dates: Tuesday 10th – Saturday 14th March 2026 at 7.30pm.
Tickets: £17, £15 conc., 16+.
Running time: Sixty minutes with no interval
