Shelagh Delaney's work from 1958, written when she was only 19 years old, brings to life the stories and struggles of the working-class people in the North. Initially dividing critics – some considered it "immature" – it eventually became one of the defining theatrical works of the twentieth century.

This edition for students includes commentary from Hannah Simpson, Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, examining the following topics in relation to the work:

• gender roles
• homosexuality
• race
• class
• youth
• 1950s perceptions of family

Additionally, it analyzes the production history of the play, the different ways it has been staged, and its critical reception. It also discusses the "kitchen-sink" and "drawing-room" drama forms and to what extent the work conforms to or subverts these models, as well as England in the 1950s and the living conditions of that era.

The work has an ambiguous ending.

Pages: 136, Year of Publication: 0918, Dimensions: 12.8x12.8cm