Reveal 78+ Breathtaking English Kitchen Sink Drama For Every Budget

Look Back in Anger is a classic kitchen sink drama that is often cited as the play that kickstarted the genre. Written by John Osborne and first performed in 1956, it tells the story of Jimmy Porter, a young man disillusioned with society and his marriage. The play tackles themes of class, love, and the struggles of everyday life in post-war Britain.

Osborne's writing is raw and unapologetic, with bold and brash characters that are not afraid to speak their minds. This provocative and controversial play caused quite a stir when it was first performed, but it has since become a landmark in British theatre.

Written by Shelagh Delaney when she was just 18 years old, A Taste of Honey is a groundbreaking play that explores themes of race, gender, and sexuality. Set in working-class Manchester, it tells the story of a teenage girl named Jo and her relationship with her alcoholic mother, Helen.

The play deals with taboo subjects such as teenage pregnancy and interracial relationships, and it is a powerful and emotional portrayal of a mother-daughter relationship.

Written by John Osborne in 1957, The Entertainer is another classic example of a kitchen sink drama. It tells the story of Archie Rice, a failing music hall performer, and his dysfunctional family. The play is set against the backdrop of the Suez Crisis and explores themes of family and national identity.

With its bleak and uncompromising portrayal of working-class life, The Entertainer is a critique of post-war Britain and the decline of the music hall tradition.

The term "kitchen sink drama" was actually coined by critic Kenneth Tynan to describe a new wave of British plays that dealt with realism and social issues. These plays often focused on the lives of ordinary working-class people and their struggles in everyday life.

The term "kitchen sink" refers to the idea that these plays were so gritty and realistic that they included even the most mundane aspects of life, such as washing the dishes in the kitchen sink.

Based on the novel by David Storey, This Sporting Life is a seminal example of a kitchen sink drama. Set in a mining town in Northern England, it tells the story of a young rugby player named Frank Machin and his tumultuous relationship with his landlady, Margaret Hammond.

The play deals with themes of masculinity and working-class struggle, and it is a poignant and powerful exploration of life in post-war Britain.

First published as a novel by Alan Sillitoe, Saturday Night and Sunday Morning was adapted into a play in 1960. It tells the story of Arthur Seaton, a young factory worker who lives for his weekends of drinking and womanizing.

The play is a stark and unapologetic portrayal of working-class life in the Midlands, and it deals with themes of class and social mobility. It is a definitive example of a kitchen sink drama.

Based on the short story by Alan Sillitoe, The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner is a poignant and thought-provoking play about a young man named Colin Smith who is sent to a reform school for stealing. While there, he discovers a talent for long-distance running, but his rebellious nature ultimately leads to a clash with the authorities.

The play is a critique of the class system and the injustice faced by working-class youth. It is a powerful and emotional exploration of the struggles faced by those on the fringes of society.

Written by Stan Barstow, A Kind of Loving is a poignant and heart-wrenching play about a young couple, Vic and Ingrid, and their struggle to make a life together in a conformist society. The play deals with themes of marriage, love, and the pressures of societal expectations.

It is a realistic and honest portrayal of working-class life in the 1960s, and it remains a timely and relevant piece of theatre today.

Written by Lynne Reid Banks, The L-Shaped Room is a groundbreaking play that deals with taboo subjects such as unwanted pregnancy and inter-racial relationships. Set in a boarding house in London, it follows the story of a young woman named Jane who becomes pregnant and is forced to confront the prejudices of society.

The play is a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of gender and race in 1950s Britain, and it is a must-see for fans of kitchen sink drama.

Originally a novel by Bill Naughton, Alfie was adapted into a play in 1963 and then later turned into a hit film starring Michael Caine. It tells the story of Alfie, a ladies' man who goes through a series of romantic and personal struggles.

The play deals with themes of love, sexuality, and morality in a fast-paced and humorous way. It is a classic example of a kitchen sink drama that is still relevant and entertaining today.