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Jab

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  1w, 1m

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

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

Details

Summary

“Last twenty-nine 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 twenty-nine 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 first performance was at the Finborough Theatre on 20 February 2024.
ANNE – fifty eight, NHS worker.
DON – sixty, vintage shop keeper.
  • Setting Anne and Don’s house, UK.
  • 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

“It’s 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 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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