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

Rachel Louise Clark- Writer

Margaret Connell- Director

Jennifer Vaudrey- Producer

Cast

Samantha Walton- Sarah

Louise Garcia- Chantelle

 

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.