The Hand That Feeds
Francesca Morgan
Francesca Morgan
Content warning [May contain spoilers]
Set in 1989, The Hand That Feeds unfolds over the week following the death of a father in a working-class Irish Catholic family in Merseyside.
From the Sunday evening of his death to the morning of his funeral, seven siblings are forced back under one roof, where grief quickly gives way to old resentments, rivalries, and unspoken truths.
As each sibling struggles to cope in their own way, the family’s carefully maintained façade begins to fracture, exposing cycles of abuse, emotional repression, and the lasting impact of authoritarian parenting. Looming over the household is the unseen presence of the mother, always upstairs or just out of sight.
Darkly funny, deeply claustrophobic, and emotionally raw, the play is an exploration of inherited trauma, sibling relationships, and the enduring grip of religion, memory, and family obligation.
This production is suitable for ages 16 and over.
strong language
flashing images
Depictions of:
discrimination and/or bigotry (homophobia, transphobia), drugs/alcohol/substance abuse
References to:
r*pe and/or sexual assault, abuse (physical), abuse (mental), abuse (verbal), child abuse and/or paedophilia, death and/or dying, pregnancy and/or childbirth
The Corpus Playroom is owned by Corpus Christi College, and managed by the University of Cambridge through the ADC Theatre. The College drama society, the Fletcher Players, are the resident company.
The L-shaped studio is Cambridge's primary fringe space, showcasing a variety of productions, with an emphasis on new writing. Seasons are programmed simultaneously with the ADC Theatre.
Access
Please note: This venue is not wheelchair accessible. More information can be viewed here.
Complimentary tickets are available for full-time carers.
The Corpus Playroom is fitted with an infra-red audio system designed to help deaf and hard of hearing patrons. If you are using the system for the first time, please arrive early and seek advice from our Front of House team.
Assistance dogs are welcome in both of our venues. Please call the Box Office or email the above address when booking to ensure you are seated appropriately.
The Corpus Playroom has gender-neutral toilets.