By Matt Woodhead


The alarm rings. I take a breath. Then it starts

Sitting at the back of the bus, skipping the lunch queue and skiving lessons. At school Nicole, Jade and Connor are just like everybody else. But when they get home things are very different.

Nicole started caring for her mum when she was four. Every morning Nicole helps her get washed, put on clothes and eat breakfast. Jade has always cared for her brother, but she never expected to look after dad as well - now she juggles two lots of appointments, two lots of prescriptions, two lots of assessment forms. Connor cares for his mum. But he doesn’t like to talk about it.

Adapted from real-life testimonies, award-winning theatre company LUNG (Trojan Horse) examines the impact of austerity, our social care system and what happens when a child becomes the parent.

Winner of: Sit Up Award for social impact, Mervyn Stutter Spirit of the Fringe Award and Summerhall Lustrum Award. Who Cares was broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2021.


Trigger warning This production contains flashing lights and content which some viewers may find upsetting including reference to self harm