Only When I Laugh

Georgia is a recovering alcoholic returning to her Manhattan circle, struggling to maintain sobriety while juggling a return to theatre. Her relapse exposes a pattern of self-destruction and a deep need for connection, prompting painful confrontations with friends. She learns that using others to enable her behavior isn’t real support.

Toby is a sophisticated socialite and Georgia’s friend who has her own history of bravado and vulnerability. She offers support but is overwhelmed by the group’s turmoil, eventually revealing her own fractures. Her emotional volatility and resilience anchor the group’s dynamic.

Polly is Georgia’s teenaged daughter, living with her father and new stepmother. She navigates divided parental responsibilities and witnesses the chaos caused by her mother’s addiction. Polly’s practical perspective and longing for stability ground the narrative’s emotional core.

David is a writer and Georgia’s ex-lover who asks her to play the lead in a new script based on their turbulent relationship. His confluence of friendship and romance drives tension, while his new girlfriend Denise reveals his shifting affections. He embodies the complexity of artistic dependency and respect.

Jimmy is a gay unemployed actor who lands a part in another play. He provides glimpses of humor and despair, highlighting the precariousness of the theatre world. His actions also illuminate the pressures the group faces in maintaining appearances.

Jason is Polly’s new boyfriend, introduced amidst the unfolding family drama. He becomes part of the social circle that tries to hide Georgia’s relapse while seeking normalcy for Polly. His presence adds another layer to the group’s dynamics.