Memorial Woodlands woodland cemetery in Thornbury, Bristol, staged the internationally successful play “Colder than Here” to get people talking about the difficult and often taboo topic of death.

The play, written by playwright Laura Wade, was performed by Taboo in conjunction with the Martinsey Isle Trust in the chapel at Memorial Woodlands on Saturday 26th January.

It was first performed at London’s Soho theatre and follows the story of a mother dying of cancer and her determination to take responsibility for planning her own green funeral as her dysfunctional family gradually come to terms with her death by learning to talk to each other.

Wayne Armstrong, Managing Director at Memorial Woodlands said,

"We hope that this production will provide a source of comfort for those coming to terms with death by providing a discussion platform for this sensitive and difficult topic. Grief affects us all in different ways but talking to each other can help."

Mr Armstrong continued,

"The play addresses the personal choices and responsibilities that people have when arranging a funeral which is central to Memorial Woodland’s services. Its focus on natural burial and the sacredness of the land also makes it particularly fitting to stage it in our grounds."

All proceeds from the performance will be reinvested into the education work of the Martinsey Isle Trust who donate a collection to St Margaret’s Somerset Hospices.