Skint

An evening out takes a dark turn in this exploration of misunderstanding across the class divides. 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 has left 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.

As the developers close in, mushroom seller Gary remembers when he was slum-cleared as a child. Set in a London market, and starring Gary Beadle, writer Gabriel Gbadamosi's monologue packs an emotional punch as new developments spread like fungus across the city, and some people get left behind.

Singer Mia has just left care and needs to find the courage to go on stage and show the world how she feels. Set outside an Edinburgh club, and
starring Isis Hainsworth, writer/director Jenni Fagan's raw and heartfelt monologue finds power in the moment after a lifetime of powerlessness.

Donny fantasises about curry sauce with his chips, but is too proud to use the food bank. Set in the high rise flats of Glasgow, and starring Peter Mullan in a moving comedic performance, writer-director James Price's monologue draws on his own history to explore what it feels like to be a hardworking man who has fallen on harder times.

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.