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Jab

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  1w, 1m

James McDermott

Inspired by true events, Jab is a black comedy-drama exploring power, gender, domestic violence, conspiracy theories, ignorance and the limits of love.

Jab

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    1w, 1m
  • Duration
    Duration
    90 minutes
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Senior, Teen (Age 14-18)

Details

Summary

“Last 29 years... You haven’t had to make any decisions. I’ve paid every bill, made every sacrifice… But now… You made a choice. You’re gonna have to face the consequence.”

Anne is tired. Tired of menopause. Tired of working in a dying NHS. And tired of her lazy sexist husband Don. But they’ve been together 29 years. They know each other inside out. They’ve survived so much.

Then COVID-19 plunges the country into lockdown, forcing them to isolate together. After all, the home is a place of safety… isn’t it?

As the world falls apart outside, Anne and Don’s marriage slowly falls apart inside. But soon there will be a solution. Won’t there? Inspired by true events, Jab is a black comedy-drama exploring power, gender, domestic violence, conspiracy theories, ignorance and the limits of love.

History
Jab premiered at the Finborough Theatre on 20 February 2024. Directed by Scott Le Crass, the production featured Kacey Ainsworth and Liam Tobin.
Performing Groups
ANNE – Fifty-eight, NHS worker.
DON – Sixty, vintage shop keeper.
  • Time Period Contemporary, Present Day
  • Setting Anne and Don’s house, UK. 2020
  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes
  • Additional Features No Intermission
  • Duration 90 minutes
  • Cautions
    • Mild Adult Themes

Media

“A Covid-era defining play.” – Theatre Weekly

“The emotions are raw.” – Broadway World UK

“McDermott manages to fit the complex emotions that many of us are still trying to process into a deft and memorable 75 minutes.” – Everything Theatre

“McDermott’s snappy dialogue captures fond familiarity curdled into contempt.” – The Guardian

“A story of ordinary people dealing with themselves and each other during very extraordinary times.” – LondonTheatre1

“A worthwhile reflection on the scarring impact of the event.” – Morning Star

“A punchy dark comedy with a twist on a relatable setting.” – The Reviews Hub

“Worthy Covid drama.” – The Stage

“This is an accomplished piece of writing.” – Theatre Weekly

“James McDermott’s script is packed with spiky banter that grows increasingly tense and barbed as the months of isolation continue to extend.” – West End Best Friend

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £55 per performance plus VAT when applicable.


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Scripts

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Authors

James McDermott

James McDermott

James McDermott trained at the University of East Anglia with an MA (Distinction) in Scriptwriting, the Royal Court Writers Group, Soho Theatre’s Writers Lab, Hampstead Theatre’s Inspire: The Next Playwright Programme, Criterion Theatre’s New Writing Programme and Menagerie T ...

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