Another bloody serious comedy from Birds of Paradise Theatre Company.
A witty ridiculing of the welfare state, the show explores a futuristic benefits regime through the assessment of Chris as she is forced to claim benefits. With bitingly satirical dialogue, and cutting-edge accessible staging interwoven through the show, Don’t Make Tea confronts the lengths disabled people must go to in order to preserve themselves in an unjust system.In the year 2030, fiercely independent Chris has no choice but to give up her job when her condition deteriorates. Forced to claim benefits, she is paid a visit by the spirited WorkPay employee Ralph, who is tasked with assessing her suitability for aid under the new regime. As it becomes increasingly apparent that the new system Ralph places so much faith in has little intension of granting Chris the assistance she needs, she must confront just how far she must be willing to go to save herself.
Seamlessly blending the bleak realities of attempting to claim benefits with laugh-out-loud black comedy, Don’t Make Tea is an intensely absurd, wildly entertaining illustration of a plausible near future. Birds of Paradise are thrilled to be bringing this production to audiences around the UK, after an acclaimed run at Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre in 2022.
All performances are captioned and have creatively embedded BSL interpretation and audio description.
Writer Rob Drummond comments, This is a piece I have been thinking about writing for a long time - since becoming aware of the inherent, often Kafkaesque, drama involved in undertaking a disability assessment in this country. The play I had in mind, however, has been greatly enhanced by the provocations and challenges gifted to me by BOP and their associates. I’m proud of what we’ve come up with - a dark comedy that doesn’t claim to have all the answers but hopefully asks a lot of the right questions, in a way that aims to heal political divides rather than exacerbate them.
Artistic Director Robert Softley Gale says We're thrilled to be bringing back this hit production showcasing our dynamic approach to creatively embedded access and placing the stories of disabled people centre stage across the UK. This show feels frighteningly relevant to our lives right now.
Birds of Paradise Theatre Company is Scotland’s leading touring theatre company employing
disabled and non-disabled actors. Established in 1993, BOP became disability led in 2012 and
now focuses on delivering work across BOP Theatre, BOP Development and BOP Strategy
strands to have the widest impact locally and internationally. As BOP enters its 30th anniversary
year, the company’s work continues to impact on the diversity of the wider cultural landscape,
remaining world-renowned for integrating access into all its productions, and in developing
work that addresses disability with honestly, integrity, and humour.
Previous praise for Don’t Make Tea
★★★★★ Laugh-out-loud comedy and psychological thriller - The Quinntessential Review
★★★★ Brings a laser-like focus to the current plight of disabled people in Britain - The Scotsman
★★★★ A thoroughly macabre and deliciously humorous lampooning of the welfare state and its callous misunderstandings – Edinburgh Guide
WebsiteVisit website
VenueTraverse Theatre
Address10 Cambridge St, Edinburgh, Midlothian,
Explore localWhat's on in Edinburgh
Local tourist information guide
Other eventsWhat's on at Traverse Theatre
Main photo may be copyright © InfoCNC
Nearest Hotels
Staying overnight in Edinburgh?
We've teamed up with Booking.com to provide the best room rates for hotels near the vicinity of the Spooky Happenings event in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Nine
Edinburgh Nine is located in Edinburgh, within a 5-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle. EICC is 400 metres from the property. All units feature a flat-screen TV.
Usher Hall Apartment
Located 300 metres from EICC, Usher Hall Apartment offers accommodation in Edinburgh. Usher Hall Apartment features views of the city and is 400 metres from Edinburgh Castle. Free WiFi is featured throughout the property.
Sheraton Grand Hotel &
Overlooking Edinburgh Castle, the Sheraton Grand Hotel is just 200 metres from Lyceum Theatre Royal. It boasts luxurious elegant rooms, spa, modern gym and a 19 metres swimming pool. Free WiFi is available throughout.
Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh
Located in the heart of Edinburgh, Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre offers fantastic views over Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh International Conference Centre is just 400 metres away and there is free Wi-Fi in the public areas..
Morrison Street Apartment
Morrison Street Apartment offers accommodation in Edinburgh. The apartment is 200 metres from EICC. Free WiFi is featured throughout the property.
Budget City Centre Apartment
Budget City Centre Apartment is an apartment located in Edinburgh, 400 metres from Edinburgh Castle. The unit is 400 metres from EICC. Free WiFi is featured throughout the property.
View all hotels near Traverse Theatre
Your comments:
comments powered by DisqusDisclaimer: This event is not organised by BritEvents, and we cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information provided, errors, or omissions. Always check the information provided before you book tickets.