Jade Franks' journey from cleaning toilets at Cambridge to creating the hit show 'Eat the Rich' is an inspiring tale of perseverance and creativity. But here's where it gets controversial: her story also highlights the systemic barriers faced by working-class artists in the UK theatre industry. Franks, a working-class student at Cambridge, lived a double life as a cleaner alongside her full-time studies. This experience, along with her own classist encounters, inspired her to create a play that skewers the Oxbridge elite. Despite facing financial struggles and the pressure to work during term-time, Franks' determination and ambition drove her to turn her experiences into a successful play. But the road to success was bumpy, and the show nearly didn't happen due to a lack of funding. Franks' desire to alter the unjust model of the industry extends beyond her shows, as she works as a freelance creative consultant for theatre, drawing in more diverse audiences and making people feel welcome. Despite the challenges, Franks' story is a testament to the power of creativity and the importance of addressing systemic inequalities in the arts.
