Jade Franks: A Voice Against Class Inequality in Theatre

Jade Franks, a working-class student from Wallasey, Wirral, has gained recognition for her play *Eat the Rich (But Maybe Not Me Mates x)*, which critiques the elitism of the Oxbridge experience. While studying at Cambridge, Franks balanced her academic life with a job as a cleaner, a reality she fictionalizes in her play. The production debuted at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where it quickly sold out and won multiple awards, including a Fringe First. Following its success, *Eat the Rich* is set to be developed into a television series, with interest from Netflix and director Philip Barantini's production company, It’s All Made Up Productions.

The Guardian

Franks's journey into theatre began in local drama classes, but financial barriers prevented her from pursuing formal training at prestigious institutions like Lamda and Rada, despite receiving scholarships. These experiences fueled her ambition and shaped her perspective on class inequality, which she explores in her work. The play incorporates real-life incidents, such as her sister being denied entry to a college dinner due to her attire, highlighting the classist attitudes prevalent in elite academic settings.

The Guardian

The path to producing *Eat the Rich* was fraught with obstacles. A private investor's withdrawal left Franks in significant debt, having charged production costs to her credit card. However, a video appeal for support garnered an overwhelming response, with contributions from friends and supporters, including fellow artists like comedian Jack Rooke. Despite the play's acclaim, it did not break even financially, underscoring the systemic barriers that hinder artists from working-class backgrounds.

The Guardian

Franks has expressed her commitment to changing the theatre landscape, stating, “Fringe should be a place where people can fail, but you can’t afford to. I couldn’t afford to.” She emphasizes the need for equitable access to the arts, advocating for initiatives that allow diverse audiences to engage with theatre without financial strain. Her outreach efforts aim to create a more inclusive environment, particularly as ticket pricing becomes increasingly dynamic.

The Guardian

While Franks's work has been celebrated, some critics argue that the focus on class struggles in theatre may not resonate with all audiences. There are concerns that the elite nature of the industry could overshadow the voices of those it aims to represent. Nevertheless, Franks remains undeterred, asserting that her experiences and those of her peers are essential narratives that deserve to be told.

The Guardian

Franks is poised for further success as *Eat the Rich* continues its run in London and on tour. She envisions expanding her outreach initiatives into a structured business model, ensuring that commercial theatres allocate affordable tickets for underrepresented audiences. With her determination to challenge the status quo, Franks aims to create a more equitable theatre landscape, stating, “I can’t change the system by doing a silly little one-woman show, but that won’t stop me trying.”

The Guardian

• “I don’t think I was fully aware of class until it was stopping me from getting where I wanted.” — Jade Franks

The Guardian

• “It was a period of my family being quite worried about me,” — Jade Franks

The Guardian

• “There’s no way to go to the fringe if you don’t have parents that can pay for it,” — Jade Franks

The Guardian

• “landlord of, where you have to have an allocation of good seats for £10 that my team gets to the right people.” — Jade Franks

The Guardian