Synopsis

A multi-purpose hall in Acton, London, cluttered with tables and boxes for an upcoming rummage sale

Margaret, a working-class woman housebound for fifteen years due to agoraphobia, finds herself reluctantly thrust into a community rummage sale. Alongside fellow agoraphobics Katrina and Bell-Bell, Margaret is encouraged by Gwenda, a well-meaning but misguided volunteer, and Fliss, a trainee social worker, to confront her fears and reintegrate into society. As the women prepare for the sale, their personal struggles, fears, and hopes come to light in both humorous and poignant ways.

Through its darkly comedic tone and episodic structure, the play delves into themes of mental health, social inequality, and gender roles. Townsend’s sharp wit and keen observation of human behavior shine through in her portrayal of these flawed but sympathetic characters. As they grapple with their own traumas and the societal pressures that have contributed to their isolation, the play offers a biting commentary on the challenges faced by marginalized individuals in modern society. The rummage sale becomes a microcosm of their struggles to find their place in a world that often misunderstands or overlooks them.