How Did Cleaning Toilets Help Me Thrive at Cambridge?

Jade Franks' journey from working in a call centre to studying at the University of Cambridge exemplifies the challenges faced by working-class students in elite educational environments. Her experiences highlight the intersections of classism, ambition, and the arts, culminating in her successful play, “Eat The Rich.” This article explores Franks' story and the broader implications for class representation in the arts.

Last updated: 18 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Jade Franks has transitioned from a challenging academic journey at Cambridge to becoming a voice for working-class representation in the arts. Her one-woman show, “Eat The Rich,” has gained traction and acclaim, reflecting her unique experiences and perspectives. As she continues to develop her work, she also advocates for greater inclusivity within theatre and the arts, aiming to pave the way for other working-class creatives.

Key takeaways

• Jade Franks faced significant classism during her time at Cambridge, feeling out of place among her peers.
• Her play, “Eat The Rich,” reflects her experiences and highlights the lack of working-class voices in the arts.
• Franks is now focusing on expanding her work into television, with a project in development for Netflix.

Timeline: how we got here

Jade Franks' journey can be summarised through key milestones:

• 2016: Franks accepted to the University of Cambridge, beginning her studies in theatre and education.
• 2021: Graduates from Cambridge and begins working in the arts, including a role at the Royal Court Theatre.
• 2022: Writes and debuts her one-woman show, “Eat The Rich,” at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
• 2023: The show receives acclaim and is set to tour, with a television adaptation in development.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Franks' play has recently transferred to the Soho Theatre and is gearing up for a tour, indicating her rising profile in the arts. Additionally, the announcement of a Netflix adaptation adds a new dimension to her journey, highlighting her potential impact on a broader audience.

What was already established

Franks' experiences at university were marked by class disparities, which she has openly discussed. Her initial struggles to fit in, due to both her working-class background and her Scouse accent, have been central themes in her work. The significant lack of working-class representation in the arts has been a long-standing issue, which Franks aims to address through her storytelling.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Franks' work illustrates the importance of class representation in the arts, potentially enriching cultural narratives available to audiences. By sharing her story, she fosters greater awareness of the barriers faced by working-class individuals in accessing higher education and the arts, which may inspire discussions on inclusivity and support for underrepresented communities.

Businesses and jobs

Franks’ story underscores the need for creative industries to prioritise diversity and inclusivity in hiring practices. By advocating for working-class artists, she highlights the benefits of a more varied workforce, which can lead to innovative storytelling and broader audience engagement.

Policy and regulation

Franks’ experiences may prompt educational institutions and arts organisations to re-evaluate their outreach and support mechanisms for working-class students. Increased attention to class dynamics within these sectors could lead to policy changes aimed at fostering inclusivity and reducing barriers to entry.

Numbers that matter

• 27: Age of Jade Franks, reflecting the growing trend of non-traditional students in higher education.
• 1: The number of working-class narratives often represented at major festivals like Edinburgh Fringe, highlighting the need for more diverse stories.
• 6: Months spent couch surfing in London post-graduation, illustrating the precarious situation many graduates face in the arts.
• 2: Years since Franks graduated in 2021, marking her rapid ascent in the theatre scene.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Footlights: A historic student drama club at the University of Cambridge known for launching many successful British comedians and actors.
• Edinburgh Fringe: The world’s largest arts festival, held annually in Edinburgh, Scotland, showcasing a wide range of performances.
• Classism: Prejudice or discrimination based on social class, often manifesting in assumptions and stereotypes about individuals from different backgrounds.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Expect to see increased discussions around class representation in the arts, particularly as Franks' play gains visibility. Observing audience reactions and engagement with her work will be crucial in understanding the impact of her narrative.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As her show tours and the Netflix adaptation develops, watch for trends in audience demographics and reactions. This could shape future productions and funding opportunities for working-class writers and performers.

Signals to watch

• Review audience feedback and critical reception of “Eat The Rich” during its tour.
• Monitor discussions on social media regarding class representation in the arts.
• Keep an eye on funding announcements for projects aimed at supporting underrepresented artists.

Practical guidance

Do

• Support and attend performances that highlight diverse narratives.
• Engage in conversations about class and representation in the arts.
• Encourage educational institutions to expand their outreach to working-class students.

Don’t

• Ignore the importance of class in discussions about diversity and inclusion.
• Assume that all artists have equal access to opportunities in the arts.
• Overlook the barriers that working-class individuals face in pursuing careers in creative fields.

Checklist

• Consider attending a local theatre production featuring working-class narratives.
• Reflect on your own biases regarding class and access to the arts.
• Support initiatives that provide funding or resources for underrepresented artists.
• Engage with community groups that promote arts accessibility.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Franks’ achievements are commendable, it is essential to recognise that her experiences are not universal. The systemic issues surrounding classism in the arts remain deeply rooted, and progress can be slow. Additionally, the success of her play does not guarantee a shift in the broader landscape of representation, which requires continuous effort and advocacy.

Bottom line

Jade Franks’ journey from a call centre to Cambridge and beyond exemplifies the potential for working-class voices to emerge in the arts. Her experiences highlight the ongoing need for greater inclusivity and representation within educational institutions and creative industries. As her work continues to gain recognition, it may inspire further dialogue on class and access in the UK.

FAQs

What is Jade Franks' play about?

Jade Franks' play, “Eat The Rich,” discusses her experiences as a working-class student at Cambridge, highlighting the challenges and classism she faced in that environment.

How has Franks' work impacted the arts in the UK?

Franks' work has opened discussions about class representation in the arts, encouraging more diverse narratives and highlighting the need for inclusivity in creative industries.

What are Franks' future projects?

Franks is currently working on a television adaptation of her play for Netflix and continues to engage in initiatives that promote access to the arts for underrepresented communities.