When a tragic death strikes a family, it can be incredibly painful to talk about. Speaking about a lost loved one can be difficult, one party may want to verbalise their feelings while another would rather remain silent.

Rosie Evans-Hill’s mum died when the Wanstead High School sixth-former was just four. Rosie hasn’t spoken frankly about her loss for years, until now, as she prepares to recount her deeply personal story to packed audiences in a 12-night run at London’s Roundhouse Theatre.

She is one of a select group of teenagers starring in Fat Girl Gets A Haircut And Other Stories, which brings together 13 explicit portraits of love, sexuality, family and religion as experienced by the adolescents in the cast.

Two years ago, when she begun the project led by artist and director Mark Storor, she had little idea she would wind up in the spotlight on the prestigious venue’s stage.

“I went along for an open audition workshop but had no idea what it would become,“ explains Rosie, who lives in Redbridge. “I didn’t have much acting experience apart from in school plays, I didn’t realise it was for a full performance or what it was really about.“

Along with the other teenagers, all aged 12 to 15 when they started the project, Rosie was selected by Mark not for her dramatic prowess but the story she had to share.

“I didn’t want to tell anyone straight away,“ recalls the 17-year-old. “I didn’t want them treading on eggshells around me. Mark made us feel really comfortable and over time the group really bonded.

“When the group became established, I felt a bit easier about talking about it, though it’s still quite tough and sometimes I just start crying. We were asked to bring in an object that meant a lot to us. That day I wore my mum’s shoes to the rehearsal.“

Over the last two years the group have been improvising around their candid tales developing them into the complete performance which features a live band, animation and video in a 360-degree setting. Through the regular rehearsals, Rosie has found a forum to talk openly about her loss.

“I didn’t want it to be sad; together we’ve taken the positivity out of death to see the good things in life,“ says Rosie. “My family tend to avoid the subject. It’s been so nice just to be able to talk about it and do something with it.“

Rosie’s family will be in the audience on the opening night. She hopes they too will be able to take the positive from what has happened.

“I think it will be quite hard for them to watch,” she says. “The story is hard for anyone to listen to. The play does push the boundaries, it’s quite a big risk. It’s breaking through what we don’t do at home.“

Although difficult viewing, they are sure to be pleased with how the show has boosted Rosie’s confidence.

“The whole experience has been great,“ she says. “It’s opened my eyes to what I can do. I now have a lot more belief in myself and that I can get out there and make it.“

Fat Girl Gets A Haircut And Other Stories is at The Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, from April 26 to May 7. Details: 0844 482 8008