In Need

Ben’s play reached the top 10% of 1493 entries for the 2020 Verity Bargate Award.

Pearl’s on Connie’s doorstep, face bleeding. Her male partner’s violence has sent her running for shelter. Connie decides to trust her neighbour and let her in. As Pearl becomes entangled in Connie’s seemingly comfortable world, they unexpectedly fall for each other and start a band with Frankie, a homeless friend. But can this silver lining survive their secrets, lies and class differences?

In Need began life as a short play written for one of Theatre503’s Rapid Write Response showcases. Natalie Denton directed Emily Arden and Alexandra D’Sa in the piece in June 2016.

That version was later selected by Full Disclosure Theatre for their sold-out Xposed new writing showcase in The Large at Southwark Playhouse in February 2018. It was directed by The Hope Theatre’s artistic director Kennedy Bloomer. Theatre Weekly called it “a touching and funny portrayal of class differences, wonderfully brought to life by Hannah Lawrence and Georgia Taylforth” in their ★★★★★ review.

An extract from the play was shortlisted from 830 entries for the Royal Court Introduction to Playwriting Group in 2018.

Read more reviews here.