Beyond Caring at HOME, preview: The stories of an invisible class

Lucy Simpson

Beyond Caring comes to HOME, to show us the harsh realities of life in unstable employment.

Zero hour contracts are becoming more commonplace, bringing with them insecurity, low pay, and no guarantee of work. But what are the emotional and physical effects of low-paid work? Alexander Zeldin’s critically acclaimed play Beyond Caring – which comes to HOME 13-16 July – explores the isolation, exploitation and trepidation faced by four cleaners working the nightshift in a meat factory.

There is humour and sadness, but foremost there is work

Against the stark and soulless backdrop of the factory in the early hours, the cast give a realistic and somewhat unsettling performance. With many silences, Zeldin’s narrative is led by the smallest of gestures, as the group struggle to find the courage and humanity to finish their shift. Although they are in this together, spending hours every night in each other’s company, their isolation is never greater. This play depicts the struggle of every-day life when money is sparse – there is humour and sadness, but foremost there is work.

First performed at the Yard Theatre, London, and subsequently at the National Theatre, Beyond Caring received glowing reviews. The Stage said it has “drive and purpose and a social conscience”. Don’t miss Beyond Caring – this stand out production is at HOME for four nights only.

Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Spotlight on

Walking Tours in Manchester by Jonathan Schofield

Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Detail of an abstract sculpture, with burned materials and rusty chicken wire at the centre, with rusted metal bars bent around it.
Exhibitions in the North

Chocolate fountains, beautiful batiks and medieval marginalia - this month's supersized Exhibitions Guide has it all.

Literature Events in the North

The autumn leaves might be falling already, but the harvest is plentiful as the live literature scene gets back into the swing of things after a summer break...

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

This season’s theatre is gloriously eclectic: from radical cabaret and reinvented classics to new musicals and boundary-pushing performance.

Cinema in the North

This month we recommend a season of Film noir, cult Australian movies and a huge celebration of DIY community cinema.