The grit, humour and courage of ordinary people in the bleakest of circumstances. Darkly comic, poignant and sometimes devastating monologues about life in poverty.
An evening out takes a dark turn in this exploration of misunderstanding across the class divide. Set in Northern Ireland, and starring Saoirse- Monica Jackson, writer Lisa McGee’s tensely comedic monologue asks us to confront prejudice and a lack of empathy, instead recognising a shared humanity no matter what our life experiences.
A birthday pint in his local reminds Jambo how it felt to be a vulnerable teenager 20 years previously. Set in Derby, and starring Michael Socha, writer Byron Vincent’s emotionally affecting monologue shows in stark detail the dangers facing teenagers growing up in poverty with no support systems and the impact this can have on their mental health.
An incident in her bedsit over a cake leaves Hannah and her baby temporarily homeless. Set in Great Yarmouth, and starring Emma Fryer, writer Kerry Hudson’s monologue highlights the plight of the working poor and how, despite doing everything right, it’s still possible to find yourself in a desperate situation.
Single mum Tasha has to make a decision when a large sum of money is accidentally deposited in her account. Set in the Welsh Valleys, and starring Tamara Brabon, writer Rachel Trezise’s monologue looks at the long-term effects of historical decline in the Valleys, and asks us to consider what we would do in Tasha’s position.
