Buckled | Launch Event

Wednesday 27th May

5pm

Ruby doesn’t think she has a problem

Maggie’s almost six months into recovery

Then there’s Callum…..

Family, friendship and booze

Drinking to remember

And drinking to forget

 

How do you navigate sobriety in a world that revolves around drink? 

 

Helen was commissioned by Unity to create ‘Buckled’ as part of Up Next Festival 2023. 

In 2024 and 2025 it toured to several venues in the Northwest including Shakespeare North Playhouse Studio, The Atkinson, Southport, The Arts Centre, Edge Hill, 53Two in Manchester, & The Old Electric, Blackpool. She is delighted to return to Unity to launch publication of the playtext as part of WoWFest 2026. 

 

“With Buckled, Helen Jeffery has written a play of great heart, insight and courage. It is darkly funny, deeply human and unafraid to look closely at the realities of addiction and the relationships shaped by it. We’re proud to publish such a compelling new work.” 

Lucy George, publisher, Salamander Street

During this event Helen will share extracts from the script &  take part in a conversation around the creation of the play. Copies will be available to purchase at a discounted rate of £5 (RRP £10)

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“A tight, well-written and well-executed examination of a wider, recognisable societal problem -an England where there’s always an excuse to have a drink, and seemingly no good reason to stop. Mature, intelligent work with plenty to say and a big heart.“

Vicky Anderson – Made Up Liverpool

‘Buckled ‘is a brilliant new piece of writing from Helen Jeffery, sensitively exploring an important topic. Moving, humorous and excellently staged.’

Elinor Randle – Artistic Director: Unity Theatre

“A 60-minute rollercoaster of a series of linear scenelets in the lives of Callum, a thirty-something history teacher, his recovering alcoholic mother, and his childhood best friend, good-time girl, Ruby. The dialogue mixes some highly comedic moments with moments of real tenderness, and the further into the play you go the more emotionally charged it becomes. The end of the play offers hope but does not give closure.”

Number 9 Reviews