What do you get when you couple Lynn, Alan Partridge’s long-suffering assistant, with a punk band? An award-winning show called Lynn Faces! We sat down with writer Laura Horton to discuss the initial idea of bringing the show to Partridge’s home and taking shows like Lynn Faces to the Fringe.
Tell us about the show. What should audiences expect?
I think audiences expect something a bit daft. It’s about a woman on the verge of 40 starting a punk band inspired by Lynn from Alan Partridge, but it’s also about a woman in the aftermath of an abusive relationship trying to navigate her way to a more hopeful future. I find comedy a helpful way to explore difficult emotions.
Can you describe the show in three words?
Raw, silly, hopeful
How did you come up with the idea of using Lynn from Alan Partridge?
It was in my head for a long time. Years ago, in my twenties, I pulled a face at my friend, and she said, ‘Wow, that’s a Lynn face’. We both loved her, and it became a thing we did when we greeted each other. We talked about starting a band inspired by Lynn, and then much later, when I was going through a messy breakup, I got drunk and decided to just book the gig. I sobered up and realised none of us could play anything, but the idea stuck, and I decided to turn it into a play. I wanted to write something hopeful that focused more on healing and taking back control rather than the narrative of the abuser.

How did you become a writer?
I wanted to be a writer from a young age, and it was something I did for a long time just for myself. Then, in my mid-thirties, I started sharing my plays at short play nights, and I did some courses. I slowly gained confidence, and then, in 2020, I got my first small commission for a ten-minute play. It built from there, really; I’ve now had three full-length plays staged and had run in New York. I’m also working on a novel and a poetry collection as well as adapting some of my plays for TV and film. I’m so glad I’m finally going for it; it was fear of failure that was holding me back.
You were at the Fringe show. What is that experience like bringing a new show to the Fringe?
The Fringe has such unique energy, and it’s such an interesting experience. The first play I took, Breathless, was a monologue. I’d been to the Fringe as a publicist, so I understood the festival, but having a play I’d written and performed was so different. Breathless won a Fringe First and other awards before transferring to London, and then Off-Broadway; it opened doors for me certainly. I tried not to compare bringing Lynn Faces as it’s such a different show. It was great to get the play on its feet, but I did find last year stressful. It’s such a pressured environment. Then the situation with Summerhall added another layer to it.
I’m so excited to be bringing the play back now that I’ve had time to rework it and add some new songs!
Norwich is the home of Alan Partridge. How do you feel about bringing your show here?
I’m a huge Partridge fan, and I’m excited to bring the show to Norwich. I know there is a huge sense of pride in the show, and I really hope audiences enjoy what we’ve done. On a personal level, I’m really looking forward to exploring Norwich, as I’ve never done before. I’m hoping to find a cracking owl sanctuary!
One fun one! If you had a band, what genre of music would you play?
Definitely punk! I love the pace of punk and how intertwined it is with politics and expression.
Lynn Faces is at Norwich Theatre Stage Two between 28 Jan – 1 Feb. For more information or to book, visit norwichtheatre.org or call the Box Office on 01603 630 000.