Family, friendship and booze. Drinking to remember. Drinking to forget.How do you navigate sobriety in a world that revolves around drink?
Join playwright Helen Jeffery for the launch of the published playtext of Buckled, released by Salamander Street Press as part of WoWFEST26.
Originally commissioned by Unity Theatre for Up Next Festival and later touring across the North West, Buckled is a darkly funny, deeply human exploration of alcohol dependency and the relationships shaped by it. At once tender and unflinching, it examines the quiet pressures of a culture where there’s always an excuse for another drink.
During this intimate event, Helen will share extracts from the script and take part in a conversation about the play’s creation, development and journey to publication. Copies will be available on the night at a special discounted price.
Trigger warning: Alcohol dependency. Suggested age: 14+
Helen Jeffery is a playwright, poet, performer & director. A graduate of the Liverpool Everyman Playwright’s Programme she has had several plays produced including ‘The Brink’ and ‘Gun Metal Blue,’ a recipient of the Blink.Theatre Award for new writing.
Helen was commissioned by Unity Theatre, Liverpool to create Buckled as part of Up Next Festival 2023. In 2024 and 2025 it toured to several venues in the Northwest including The Atkinson, Southport, The Arts Centre, Edge Hill, 53 Two in Manchester and Unity Theatre, Liverpool.
Helen is currently developing a new play for stage, as well as working as a dramaturg through her company ‘Sober Scribbles.’ More information about this and her other projects can be found here.
Venue: Unity Theatre Bar