Saving Myself is a new solo play about trauma, belief, and survival. Written by TIM STUBBS-HUGHES, directed by JULIA STUBBS, and performed by JESSAMY JAMES, it premieres at Brighton Fringe.
The play takes place over a single night. Lilly is alone in her flat, surrounded by books, fragments of rituals she only half remembers, and an unlit candle. Growing up, she was blamed when things went wrong—pets disappearing, toys breaking, the tension that settled over her family home. Over time, those accusations settled into something fixed, shaping how she was treated and how she came to understand herself.
After a violent assault, Lilly reaches a point where she can’t continue as she has been. With no one to rely on, she becomes convinced that something inside her, whether a demon, an inheritance, or the effects of trauma—needs to be destroyed. The play moves between realism, poetry, folklore, and ritual, unfolding in real time as Lilly tries to take back control of her body and her story. It asks what happens when care is replaced by suspicion, and what it takes for someone to save themselves.
This is the first play by Tim Stubbs-Hughes. Drawing on folklore, poetry, and myth, his work focuses on how people live in the aftermath of violence. His debut full-length play, and I looked at the sky, is set to premiere at London Fringe in autumn 2026.
The production is directed by Julia Stubbs, director and producer at 20 South Street. Her work is known for its close attention to text and focus on new writing. Her recent production of Mari Lloyd’s Still Here was named one of The Edit’s ‘Top 20 Shows Across Wales’ in 2025.
20 South Street is “an independent theatre company producing bold, collaborative work. Julia Stubbs Hughes is the Artistic Director of 20 South Street, and she works professionally as a theatre director and producer under the name Julia Stubbs. Founded in 2010, 20 South Street comes from the address of the house where Julia was born and grew up.”
Jessamy James plays Lilly. Her work across theatre and screen centres on complex and demanding roles. She recently performed the title role in The Whole Pack Theatre’s all-female Richard II at the 2025 Camden Fringe, which has since been nominated for an OffFest Award.
Booking Info:
BRIGHTON Fringe details:
VENUE and DATES:
Grania Dean Studio – Lantern Theatre, 77 St James’s Street, Brighton BN2 1PA
2 & 3 May, 7pm | 9 May, 9pm | 10 May, 5pm
VENUE BOX OFFICE: www.lanterntheatrebrighton.co.uk or call 0333 666 4466
FRINGE BOX OFFICE: www.brightonfringe.org or call 01273 91 72 72
TICKETS: £12 | £10
CAMDEN Fringe details:
VENUE and DATES:
The Libra Theatre Cafe, 37 Chalk Farm Road, London, NW1 8AJ
13 Aug, 9pm | 19 Aug, 3:45pm | 20 Aug, 6:00pm
CAMDEN FRINGE BOX OFFICE: www.camdenfringe.com
VENUE BOX OFFICE: www.thelibratc.com [tickets sold through Camden Box Office]
TICKETS: £12 | £10
