Paintstripper | Up Next Festival 26

Thursday 26th March

8:45pm

Paint Stripper is a bold new play by Rachel Louise Clarke, directed by Margaret Connell, celebrating the messy, hilarious, and deeply moving power of female friendship. Chantelle — a painter and decorator by day, stripper by night at Dreamer’s, caring for her ailing mother — meets Sarah, a young woman trapped in an abusive relationship. Together, they form an unlikely bond, navigating heartbreak, life’s hardships, and the challenges holding them back. Through laughter, tears, and unwavering support, they encourage each other to fight for freedom and self-worth. Paint Stripper is a raw, funny, and tender celebration of resilience and womanhood.

 

Creative Team

Instagram: @paintstrippershow

Rachel Louise Clarke- Writer @rachellouiseclark_writer

Margaret Connell- Director @margretok

Jennifer Vaudrey- Producer @jenniferfrancesvaudrey

Cast

Samantha Walton- Sarah @samanthaaltonactress

Louise Garcia- Chantelle @louisegarcia84

 

Rachel Louise Clark is a working-class Liverpudlian writer and an alumna of the Royal Court Playwright Development Programme. While Rachel is best known for her quick-witted comedy, most recently seen in her production of The Anfield Apocalypse at Liverpool’s Royal Court, Paint Stripper marks a personal turning point. By blending her signature sharp dialogue with her own lived experience of domestic abuse, she has crafted a story rooted in raw authenticity. This is drama with a heartbeat of comedy: a play that refuses to be preachy while finding the light in the darkest of places.