The Rachel Baptiste Programme is a paid and mentored script development programme for Black Irish theatre makers and writers of colour, named after the 18th century singer who performed to great acclaim at Smock Alley. These are work-in-progress readings from Tanya Bridgeman, Christie Kandiwa, Matthew Sharpe and Shannon Welby.

A mismatched trio rent a house owned by an elderly woman now living her last days in a nursing home. Unlikely housemates, they try to find a connection in the short time they’re here – and a space for themselves amongst the stuff of her entire life.

Mariam prepares for war. She knows that the army often drops small warning bombs on residential buildings in Gaza, giving tenants between 5 to 15 minutes to evacuate before a rocket demolishes their home. She decides to train for the possibility of this “Knock on the Roof”, frantically (and often humorously) practicing how far she can run in five minutes, and what she can carry to safety.

Harris has been released from prison. John has recently secured his first real job as a bus driver and is pursuing a new way of life.
The two men reunite on one fateful night where they must make the biggest decision of their lives… and eat some pop tarts.