Told over one relentless night, this raw and unflinching portrait follows Jesse, a 25-year-old carer from Hull juggling a chaotic life and a minimum-wage job on the frontlines of a broken system. Blending humour with political bite, the production tracks her journey from a demanding care shift to the dance floor to deliver a fiercely humane, contemporary look at working-class survival in modern Britain.
Would you mind giving us an insight into what your show/event/performance is?
Jesse North is Broken is a funny, furious and unexpectedly moving one-woman show told through spoken word. It follows Jesse, a young care worker from Hull, over one chaotic night as she juggles zero-hours contracts, elderly clients, nights out, dating, ADHD and trying to work out who she’s supposed to be. It’s fast, lyrical and packed with music, humour and heart.
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
I’m an actor and writer from Hull, and telling stories about working-class women has always been at the heart of my work. The show is directed by the brilliant Millie Gaston, who also happens to be my best friend, which meant we could be completely fearless in the rehearsal room. It’s produced by the John Godber Company, so in many ways it really is a family affair. My sister Elizabeth is producing, and having people around me who knew me personally made it possible to create something incredibly honest and vulnerable because it can often be hard putting yourself out there in work you’ve written and are performing in.
How does it feel coming to (back to) the Fringe?
It’s incredibly exciting. I grew up hearing stories about the Fringe because my dad, John Godber, has such a long history here, so it feels surreal to now be bringing my own writing. Of course there’s a sense of responsibility, but more than anything I’m excited to introduce a new generation of voices through the John Godber Company. This feels like the beginning of my own journey rather than following someone else’s.
With shows from all over the world at the Fringe, what sets yours apart?
Listen, I know a one women show isn’t the most original thing in the world. However I am proud to say that Jesse North is Broken has a unique voice and more importantly has something to say. Jesse, as a character is hilarious, messy, sexy, vulnerable, outspoken and deeply compassionate all at once. The show refuses to simplify her. The spoken word gives it an energy that feels almost like being inside Jesse’s head, while the soundtrack drives everything forward. Audiences will laugh, they’ll recognise themselves, and hopefully they’ll leave thinking about care workers, young people and modern Britain in a completely different way.
On that, is there anything in the production or production team’s backgrounds which influences the way the show is performed or told?
Absolutely. Hull is in my DNA and it’s impossible to separate that from my writing. I also spent a long time researching the care sector, speaking to young carers and drawing on my own experiences of watching family members receive end-of-life care. I wanted to write about the people who quietly hold society together but are so rarely celebrated. If theatre can’t tell uncomfortable truths with honesty and empathy, then what’s it for?
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
I also hope audiences come away seeing care workers differently and recognising the enormous pressure young people are under just trying to exist. More than anything, I want people to feel seen. Whether you’re twenty-five or seventy-five, Jesse’s search for purpose, love and belonging is something we can all relate to. I also hope audiences recognise that universal need for release. When you’re carrying the weight of a demanding job, financial pressure and the expectations of modern life, something has to give. For Jesse, that release comes through nights out, dancing, reckless decisions and desperately trying to feel alive. I think a lot of people, whatever their age, will recognise that feeling of searching for an escape while still trying to hold everything together.
Your Ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t…?
Anyone who’s ever felt like they’re winging adulthood. I think young audiences will really connect with Jesse’s humour and chaos, but equally older audiences often recognise themselves in the people she cares for. It’s also for anyone who’s tired of seeing women written as either heroes or victims. Jesse gets to be funny, vulgar, intelligent, selfish, generous, resilient and broken all in the same hour. That’s what makes her human and ultimately authentic
It’s an intense month, so where you’re able, how do you plan to relax, and are there any other shows you intend to see or want to recommend?
I love Edinburgh so much so I’ll be deffo hitting my favourite spots, I love Hula! I’ll also be catching may best mates show, he’s a comedian called Thor Stenhaug so check him out, he’s brilliant!
Jesse North Is Broken will run at Venue 33, Upstairs at Pleasance Courtyard
Runs: August 16th – August 20th at 10.30am
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