Hard at Laurels Whitley Bay Review
Written by Stacy for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Laurel’s Productions and Stanley Creatives deliver an unfiltered, hilarious, and at times deeply moving journey into the unexpected world of the UK sex industry with HARD, written and directed by Alison Stanley. Bold and darkly comic, the play pulls no punches as it shines a light on a world rarely explored on stage - and never with this much grit, humour and heart.
At the centre of the story is Zee - played with fearless honesty and razor-sharp wit by Alison Stanley herself - a part-time sex worker and full-time carer to her disabled father. Her world is chaotic, messy, and brimming with outrageous clients, unexpected tenderness, and gut-punching truths. Stanley’s performance is magnetic, effortlessly balancing comedy with vulnerability. She carries the audience through Zee’s whirlwind life with the kind of authenticity that can only come from someone deeply embedded in the story’s creative core.
The show’s premise might sound provocative - and it is - but what makes HARD more than just a risqué comedy is its heart. Stanley’s writing weaves humour with hardship in equal measure, inviting us to laugh out loud one moment and confront uncomfortable truths the next. It's this duality that sets the production apart.
Supporting performances from Rod Glenn, Steve Wraith, Rosie Fox, and company round out a cast bursting with energy and sharp chemistry. This dynamic ensemble drives the show’s brisk pace and seamless scene changes, often blurring the boundaries between surreal fantasy and harsh reality. Special credit goes to the physical comedy and stylised sequences that vividly capture Zee’s mental juggling act - never overstated, but consistently impactful. While the characters are bold and often exaggerated, they never tip into caricature; instead, they remain rooted in a world that is as bizarre as it is believable.
Visually, the production embraces its underground roots: minimalist staging, strategic lighting, and authentic costumes allow the actors to stretch their expressive range. The direction doesn’t shy away from discomfort - in fact, it invites it in and asks us to really see. In a world where we often sanitise the realities of sex work, HARD dares to show it all - the laughter, the clients in latex, and the deep human connection beneath it all.
Stanley’s previous works (Tits Up, Living the Life of Riley, You Need to Say Sorry, etc.) may have hinted at her knack for provocative storytelling, but HARD is her boldest, most fearless piece yet. It’s not just a play - it’s an experience. Raw, riotous, and refreshingly unfiltered.
HARD plays at Laurels Whitley Bay until 27 June
★★★★
