IT’S THE ECONOMY, STUPID!

 

Joe Sellman-Leava and Dylan Howells try to uncover how the economy wins elections, and why the force that dominates everyone’s lives is so bloody complicated! Developed with and directed by internationally acclaimed Katharina Reinthaller, and produced by Worklight Theatre, IT’S THE ECONOMY STUPID! is a bold new show from the Fringe First winning creators of LABELS and FANBOY.

IT’S THE ECONOMY, STUPID is based on the true story of how Joe’s family lost their home and livelihood in the 90s recession, and examines what all of that has to do with the global economy and today’s housing and cost of living crises. Using paper bags, an old board game, and a pinch of theatrical magic, Joe and Dylan calculate the true cost of low financial literacy in a world dominated by money.

Taking its title from the James Carville quote, IT’S THE ECONOMY, STUPID! is a funny, captivating and moving story, underpinned with magic and a striking design.

Developed with the support of Arts Council England, Pleasance, Proteus Creation Space, Exeter Phoenix, and previewing at Buxton Fringe (Underground Venues) and Glastonbury Festival (Poetry & Words Stage), IT’S THE ECONOMY, STUPID premiered at Pleasance Dome, Edinburgh Fringe 2024, before touring the UK this autumn and throughout 2025.

‘Smart, sharp writing…deftly blends the personal with the political’ ★★★★ Natasha Tripney, Stage
“This Show achieves the impossible” ★★★★ Playbill
‘Promises to leave you both entertained and enlightened’ ★★★★ Theatre Weekly
‘Informative, poignant, very funny, expertly and charmingly delivered. Catch it while you can’ ★★★★ Broadway Baby
‘Insightful, informative and impactful’ ★★★★ Edfringe Review
‘To say I’d recommend it is an understatement!’ ★★★★ DarkChat
’Intelligent, moving and compelling’ ★★★★ ½ Arts Hub
‘Highly recommended Show’ FringeReview
★★★★ British Theatre Guide
★★★★ List
★★★★ Terri Paddock
★★★★★ The Real Chrisparkle