Hard, an insightful and hilarious new play about the UK sex industry, will have its London debut this month.
Hard sheds light on what life is really like for a UK sex worker – telling the story of a former Tyneside escort – with a story so outrageous that it will turn people’s views on the trade forever.
Filled with personal memories, the play will offer audiences a glimpse into parts of the sex industry that are rarely seen on stage or screen as it follows snippets of the escort’s unique life as a sex worker.
Brought to life by serial North East playwright, actress, and Writer of the Year finalist at the 2018 Culture Awards, Alison Stanley, this new hard-hitting and deliciously dark play will reveal the hidden world of prostitution, as seen through the eyes of its lead character.
Deemed the home of immersive theatre and alternative arts, The Vaults is found within a maze of disused railway arches under Waterloo Station. Since launching its theatre space in 2014, the acclaimed independent venue has supported and produced some of the city’s most innovative theatre works.
Describing its programme as ‘outlandish, accessible and fun’, The Vaults has built a strong reputation for creating immersive experiences that fuse together art forms and champion unsung voices, with particular emphasis on the LGBTQ+ community.
Alison Stanley – who has previously written and performed in two sell-out plays at Edinburgh Fringe (Bedsocks and Secrets in 2016 and Life of Reilly in 2019) – says she is excited to bring her most recent play to London for the very first time.
She said: “Life is hard and no one knows that better than Zee. With a dad that needs looking after full-time, a phone that never stops ringing, a string of customers, and a threatened banana shortage, things were never going to be easy, were they? You think your life is hard? Think again!
“We can’t wait to make our London debut and we thank The Vaults for supporting us.”
The Vaults, Launcelot Street, SE1. Dates: 20th & 21st November. Time: 7.30pm. Admission: £12.
Booking: www.thevaults.london/hard