Filthy Business

The new comedy by Ryan Craig

A world premiere production makes its debut at the Hampstead Theatre this March, by playwright Ryan Craig. Set in 1968, this satirical drama takes a wry look at the entrepreneurial efforts of an East End family - not all of which, is strictly above board. Centred on Jewish matriarch Yetta Solomon, we follow her struggles trying to keep her family to toe the line and keep the shop business in their legacy, despite their apparent efforts to derail it! Having faced down economic downturns, local competitors and even lack of money, it would appear that her greatest challenge comes from those closest to her. Sara Kestelman takes on the role of the steely Yetta, determined to make a success of things.

Yetta's story is not so different from the thousands of families that settled in East London following the Holocaust. Determined to build a new, thriving life for themselves and their family, a large number went into trade, often finding opposition from other shoptraders in the area. In the light of recent immigration fear stories, this black comedy highlights the need for new families to establish a firm legacy in their new home. Ryan Craig's previous works include The Holy Rosenbergs and Our Class, both commissioned by the National Theatre, as well as What We Did to Weinstein at the Menier Chocolate Factory.