Pop-Up Plays is Fifth Word’s series of short plays popping up in unexpected spaces. In 2026, the series features LAD by John Booker and TRANS IT by Tabby Lamb.
Developed with Creative Associate Nic Wass
Fifth Word in collaboration with Curve and Derby Theatre, with support by Fuel, associate produced by Just Something Different present
TRANS IT
A new play by
Tabby Lamb
Directed by
Bryony Shanahan
Associate Produced by
Just Something Different
“To silence a monster, you just have to undo him”
Tonight, for these Dolls, it’s time to take the power back.
Past-dark in a deserted city car park. Caught in the headlights of a transit van, Mzz Harmony’s chain-smoking and Mzz Melody’s got lightning in her bones. Only two state-approved genders remain. In this horrifyingly near-future, those who don’t conform are hunted or disappeared. And now James F***ing Gulliver MP is building his career calling girls like them a threat to civilisation. Classic, right?
Hunted, mocked, failed and fed on, the Dolls are done running. It’s time to decide what kind of future they’ll carve out —and what they’re willing to risk to get there. Revenge always starts simple, doesn’t it?
In a world where the state wants you gone and the Gods are dead, TRANS IT is a fiercely human, bitingly funny horror story dipped in glitter, for anyone who’s ever been othered. Join us at Level 4, parking bay C3. The engine’s already running.
Age Guidance: 16+
Running time: 40 mins
Content advisories: Contains references to and description of serious violence
TRANS IT Creative Team
Fifth Word in collaboration with Curve and Derby Theatre, with support by Fuel, present
LAD
A new play by
John Booker
Directed by
Daniel Bailey
“I just wanna have a chat with you to be honest, Luke.”
England vs. Spain, Euro 2024 Final. Jack’s back from Uni, Luke’s back from doing time.
Two lads meets for pints. Their old local’s rammed and there’s three years of silence to catch up on. Best friends since school, Jack never visited, and Luke hasn’t told the whole story.
Between us mates, nothing’s off limits, right? But the pub’s shiny refurb can’t gloss over their shared history, as truth and emotion spill over onto the sticky carpet. Under the bravado, banter and bullshittery, is something tougher to tackle. When people say be kind, they mean to the people they disagree with?
As the tap opens and the pints flow, honesty hits hard, and when the final whistle blows can there be victory?
Funny, raw and heartbreakingly human, LAD strikes deep into the heart of modern masculinity, friendship, class, racism, and love.
Staged inside the buzz of your local boozer, get immersed in a bold new play about mates, mistakes and what it really takes to be a man – all set against the roar of the beautiful game.
Age Guidance: 16+ (Guests aged 16+ must be accompanied by a parent or guardian aged 18 or older)
Running time: 40 mins
Content advisories: Contains reference to violence, misogyny and racism
LAD Creative Team
Book Tickets
Derby Theatre@ Derby Theatre Car Park
24 March-28 March 2026
LAD by John Booker
Derby Theatre @ The Brunswick Inn, Derby, DE1 2RU
22 March- 25th March 2026
Leicester Curve@ The Exchange Bar, 50 Rutland St, LE1 1RD
27 March- 29 March 2026
Partners
Funders
With thanks to In Good Company
