Empty in Angel tells the story of a bicycle courier and her community's astounding fight for workers’ rights in the gig economy – their simple demands for fairness, dignity and security which will end in a historic legal battle.

Based on actual events, Empty in Angel lifts the lid on the gig economy and tells it like it is. Empty in Angel is a powerful piece of political theatre about something happening right now, the burgeoning movement to fight back against the gig economy ethos.

The play was written with the full knowledge, approval and cooperation of the Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB), the trade union that supported the cycle courier through the court case which forms the foundation for this play.

Empty in Angel was highly acclaimed during both of its runs in 2019 and 2021, which included performances at the Bloomsbury Theatre, Old Red Lion, Etcetera Theatre and the White Bear Theatre. It was a finalist in two Standing Ovation awards and was nominated for an Offie for best performer.

“Informative, entertaining and awesome. Darcy Willison's performance is captivating. Great script mixing rap and rhythmic dialogue. A must see!” Thrifty Theatre

“An altogether admirable hour of theatre, both inspirational and engaging.” London Pub Theatres Magazine.

“A superb call to arms for greater workers' rights. I'd thoroughly recommend you go and see while you can.” The Crumb.

When millennials, Jo and Sam, meet at and art gallery in Woking, they find they have more to discuss than art. But will they stay together as a couple when the world around them is falling apart? Can they find meaning in Woking when it’s in such short supply everywhere else? Jo and Sam is a feisty comedy that’s not afraid to tackle the topics that concern us most.

“What a fab fun show! Performed exclusively in rhyming couplets, this was a little gem! A fabulous performance from the cast and a great script make for a brilliant evening!” Theatre Reviews

“The charm, warmth and chemistry between the actors themselves under the expert direction of Katherine Reilly makes the whole thing an utterly beguiling delight.” The Peg.

Penny and Anthony were once an item, but things went pear shaped and they broke up. Now Penny has accepted a job directing Anthony’s play and they’re all set to hold auditions. Anthony is wounded and Penny’s soon wondering whether working with her ex was her best idea. And then the actors arrive with enough emotional baggage to fill the dressing room. What could possibly go wrong?

‘So, the speeches you’ll hear tonight are intended for use in that oddly artificial barometer of talent: the audition. They are all audition speeches. And it so happens that you’re going to see actors performing these speeches as audition pieces, as they’re here to audition for this play. Complicated, isn’t it?’

\'I’ll finish on a plea for 2023. Can we have more unabashed comedies like The Play with Speeches at the Jack Studio Theatre?\'

Gary Naylor in his end of year review for Broadway World.

‘This incredibly unique play-within-a-play written by James Woolf is a perfect blend of clever, entertaining
writing... delivering fast-paced, farcical fabulousness throughout... a brilliantly clever, well-layered storyline, performed by an entire cast of incredibly talented, comedic performers.’ ★★★★ The Reviews Hub

‘This is a very funny play... If this was a thriller, it would be petrifying. Thankfully, this is a comedy and a deliciously funny one.’ British Theatre Guide

‘In short, it’s guaranteed to make you smile and laugh – with much of the play’s fun triggered by Matthew
Parker whose performance as Anthony... Julian Clary, eat your heart out. Off west-end theatre at its best.
Catch it if you can – and forget the world for 110 minutes.’ ★★★★ Close-up Culture

‘James Woolf’s meta-comedy is a hoot...This is a very funny and clever play, with exceptional comedic performances’ ★★★★ Fairy Powered Productions

‘What fun we have on this casting from hell! Matthew Parker finds a sweet spot somewhere between Ricky
Gervais and Eric Morecambe for his nightmarish but charming Anthony... an evening full of laughter illuminated by fine performances and a smart script.’ ★★★★ Broadway World

‘The Play With Speeches is a clever, multi-layered comedy that provides instant humour but also plenty to try and wrap your brain around on the journey home. All in all, it’s good, silly fun with a fantastic central performance. What’s not to love?’ Theatre Things UK