A DARKLY humorous play based on the lives of cleaners working on zero-hour contracts is being performed at Birmingham Repertory Theatre next week.

From Wednesday until Saturday REP associate director Alexander Zeldin's Beyond Caring will also see the audience sitting on the stage which will give the performance a more intimate feel.

The writer researched the lives of people on low pay and captures the breadline existence which is punctuated by humour and kindness.

The critically acclaimed play, which has had a run at the National Theatre, is based around four cleaners at a meat factory and shows how strangers can suddenly become important to one another in a tough environment.

James Doherty joins the cast with Luke Clarke, Janet Etuk, Kristin Hutchinson and Victoria Moseley all reprising their roles from the National Theatre. The company will also be taking workshops and debate off-site into spaces belonging to communities affected by issues in the play.

For more information visit www.birmingham-rep.cop.uk.