Cardboard Citizens has unveiled More Than One Story: An Anthology of Monologues on Homelessness and Poverty, a powerful new collection of writing from 37 emerging and established voices with lived experience of homelessness, poverty and inequity.
For over thirty years, Cardboard Citizens has used theatre to challenge perceptions and change narratives around homelessness. This anthology marks the company’s first-ever published collection, featuring original pieces from Malorie Blackman, Chris Bush, Kayleigh Llewellyn, Michelle De Swarte, Inua Ellams, Matilda Feyiṣayọ Ibini, Charlie Josephine, Chris Sonnex, Joelle Taylor, and Roy Williams, alongside 22 new works from a national open call. The book also includes a foreword by BAFTA Award-winning actor Michael Sheen.
The monologues explore themes from sofa-surfing and street-sleeping to identity, mental health and the rental industry, shifting between imagined futures and urgent realities. They offer a multifaceted portrait of resilience, hope, rage and humour in the UK today.
Chris Sonnex, Artistic Director and joint CEO of Cardboard Citizens, said:
“The voices of people who’ve lived through homelessness and poverty need to be heard. Not as a nice add-on, not as a token gesture, but because they are vital. They show us the world as it really is, in all its complexities. And the truth is, society is failing these voices. Culture and politics are dominated by people who can afford to get in, to stay in, to be seen. If you’re working class, if you’ve been through poverty, if you’ve been homeless, the doors are closed before you even reach them. That’s not a small problem; that’s a cultural and societal crisis. More Than One Story has been about breaking that cycle. First with the award-winning film series, now with this book of monologues. Work made by people with lived experience, work that speaks with authority because it comes from authenticity. More Than One Story is a movement that will keep growing, keep fighting, keep creating. So, take these words in. Sit with them. Let them move you, unsettle you, inspire you. This is culture made by and for the people. This is what change looks like. And it is only the beginning.”
The official launch took place at Trafalgar Theatre on Sunday 9 November, hosted by Cardboard Citizens Ambassador and James Bond star Rory Kinnear. The event featured readings and performances from stars including Arthur Darvill, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Paterson Joseph, Nicôle Lecky, Prasanna Puwanarajah and Liam Williams.
More Than One Story: An Anthology of Monologues on Homelessness and Poverty is published by Nick Hern Books on 13 November 2025.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
