Belgrade and Cardboard Citizens team up for THE RUFF TUFF CREAM PUFF ESTATE AGENCY

As part of Coventry’s year as the UK City of Culture, the Belgrade Theatre has teamed up with Cardboard Citizens on their 30th anniversary. They have announced a bespoke programme of work that will culminate in the brand new musical The Ruff Tuff Cream Puff Estate Agency. The programme has been designed and co-created with local people with lived experience of homelessness and continues the ongoing work of Cardboard Citizens to show how culture can make a difference to the lives of homeless people. 

The Ruff Tuff Cream Puff Estate Agency is based on the true story of the world’s first ‘estate agency for squatters’ and is billed as an “exhilarating feel-good musical about community and DIY activism”. The cast will comprise professional actors alongside local Coventry citizens with lived experience of homelessness and will feature music by former lead guitarist of Chumbawamba, Boff Whalley, and will be directed by Cardboard Citizens’ founding Artistic Director, Adrian Jackon. 

Speaking of the programme, Jackson said: “Nowhere could be more fitting than the City of Culture to present two connected aspects of our work - a life-affirming musical based on a true story of playful 1970s activism in London to house those most in need, preceded by a devised Forum Theatre style performance in which local homeless and non-homeless people will come together to discuss what can be done here in Coventry.”

Cardboard Citizens has been working with the Arts and Homeless Network in Coventry since March 2001. This month, a theatre workshop programme entitled “Cardboard Camps” will arrive at the Belgrade Theatre, aiming to instil a lasting legacy that will make and maintain positive changes for those dealing with homelessness. The workshop will culminate in a new, devised, and interactive performance that will be staged at the Belgrade on 23 July. 

Also supporting Cardboard Citizens and the Belgrade is Underground Lights, a springboard company founded in 2018 aimed at supporting emerging artists. Run for, and by, adults experiencing homelessness, social disadvantage, and/or mental health issues, Underground Lights wants its members and people with these experiences to be involved at every level of the organisation. They are thrilled to be involved in this project. 

The Ruff Tuff Cream Puff Estate Agency runs from 9 October to 16 October. Cardboard Camps runs on 23 July. Tickets are currently on sale to members and will be released for general sale on 15 June. They can be booked by calling the box office on 024 7655 3055 or clicking here.