“I lived in London, I was done with it a long time before I left. But I stayed and drained my bank account and mental capacity, and for what?”
WHO: Jade Franks
WHAT: “If there’s one thing worse than classism and the disparity of wealth in this country… It’s FOMO. The plot of Hannah Montana. If Hannah Montana was a Scouser. And instead of a pop star leading a double life, she is a Cambridge Student trying to conceal the fact she is working as a cleaner. ETR is a comedy which demonstrates the myth of meritocracy, the sacrifices we make to get ahead and who, in the end, these decisions will always disproportionately affect. Jade Franks Fringe debut.”
WHERE: Bunker One at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33)
WHEN: 14:15 (60 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
This is my first time performing, yes! But I did produce 3 shows in 2019 when I was a student – the Cambridge Footlights gave me a grant, so I came up and was not at all prepared for how insane it was to do all those shows having never produced OR been to Edinburgh before!! I came just to see shows in 2022, and it was my last visit in 2024 when I knew for sure I wanted to bring a show this year.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
This is such a big question hahaha!!!
When I lived in London, I was done with it a long time before I left. But I stayed and drained my
bank account and mental capacity, and for what?
From this, I’ve learnt to trust my gut on stuff more. Moving back up North was the best thing I could have done for my mind, health and career. And I have a much better relationship with the city and my loved ones in it, now I know I can leave!
Tell us about your show.
Eat the Rich (but maybe not me mates x) is a funny, fast-paced and politically sharp one-woman show about class, code-switching and cleaning jobs at Cambridge. Written and performed by me, it follows a working-class Scouse student trying to survive the UK’s most elite university while secretly working as a cleaner for her posh peers. It asks urgent questions about identity, shame, belonging and who gets to feel at home in these institutions.
The show is directed by Tatenda Shamiso, winner of the 2023 Evening Standard Emerging Talent Award for NO I.D. at the Royal Court. Tatenda is an actor, writer, director and musician whose work spans the National Theatre, Young Vic, Almeida, Bristol Old Vic and beyond. His recent directing and associate credits include A Good House (Royal Court), Wolves on the Road (Bush Theatre) and For Black Boys… (Garrick Theatre). His actor-led, collaborative process brings warmth and intimacy to the production.
The show is produced by Jasmyn Fisher-Ryner (JFR Productions), a two-time Olivier-nominated producer whose credits include For Black Boys… and Blue Mist at the Royal Court and West End. Her producing focuses on access, emerging artists and inclusion.
I met Jasmyn and dramaturg Ellie Fulcher while working as an Education Associate at The Royal Court, creating audience access strategies that invited Black and working-class communities into the theatre. Jasmyn and I worked together on For Black Boys…, developing its outreach model from the Royal Court to the West End. Tatenda also worked on For Black Boys… as Associate Director at the Garrick Theatre.
Eat the Rich will preview at Seven Dials Playhouse on July 23rd. We plan to tour regionally post-Fringe, and I’m currently developing a TV comedy-drama adaptation of the piece.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
I have the following shows on my radar: Mojola Akinyemi’s Cara and Kelly are Best Friends For Ever For Life, Hasan Al-Habib’s stand-up show, Death to the West (Midlands) Dan Bishop’s play Brainsluts, Rohan Sharma’s Mad Dog and Chakira Alin’s play House Party.
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