Keeley Hazell brings memoir of trauma to Edinburgh Fringe

Keeley Hazell, once a prominent glamour model, is set to present a stage show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe based on her memoir, 'Everyone’s Seen My Tits'. The production explores her experiences within the modelling industry, focusing on themes of trauma and exploitation.

From Page 3 to Hollywood

During the mid-2000s, Hazell was a recognisable figure in the media, appearing in Page 3 and various men's magazines. However, she has stated that topless modelling did not align with her personal identity, expressing feelings of shame and embarrassment. She departed the modelling world in her early twenties, relocating to Los Angeles with aspirations of an acting career.

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The emotional repercussions of her early career have persisted, influencing her 2025 book, 'Everyone’s Seen My Tits: Stories and Reflections from an Unlikely Feminist'. Hazell described the writing process as a significant release, allowing her to reclaim a voice during a period when she felt voiceless. She noted that the stage show involves performing as herself while also embodying a version of herself, a concept that resonates with her past experiences of presenting different identities.

Navigating the Industry

Hazell's entry into modelling was rapid and unexpected. After leaving school at 16, she entered competitions such as the Daily Star's 'beach babe' and The Sun's 'Page 3 idol', winning both. She contrasted her upbringing on a council estate with her subsequent lifestyle, which included owning a luxury apartment. Hazell has spoken about the significant exploitation she encountered, feeling unprepared emotionally and mentally for the industry's demands. She highlighted a lack of safeguarding and protection for young women entering such fields.

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Reflecting on her past, Hazell acknowledges both positive aspects, such as earning substantial income and travelling, and regrets regarding a lack of control. She mentioned coping mechanisms like drinking and trying to 'enjoy the party'. Therapy has been instrumental in processing these experiences, particularly the fallout from a sex tape being sold. She described the process of writing about sexual violation as terrifying but necessary for shedding shame.

A New Chapter

The Edinburgh Fringe show follows Hazell's transition into writing for television. In 2019, she auditioned for a role in 'Ted Lasso', inspired by her life, and subsequently secured a recurring part and a position as a staff writer on the series. While still finalising the show's structure, Hazell anticipates it will incorporate humour, stating that trauma and humour are often intertwined. She finds the experience of having complete autonomy over her narrative empowering.

Keeley Hazell: Everyone’s Seen My Tits is scheduled to run at Pleasance Courtyard in Edinburgh from 5 to 29 August.