I, Daniel Blake - Content Guidance
The show is based on the 2016 film of the same title and follows the story of Daniel Blake.
Daniel is a working-class Geordie in recovery from a heart attack. He has been advised not to work by his doctor but has been deemed fit for work at an assessment at the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions). Throughout the play we see him struggle with the bureaucracy of the benefits system and battle the prejudices faced by those seeking benefits.
During the course of the play, Daniel befriends a young single mother, Katie, who has been relocated to Newcastle by the Housing Association. We see her struggle to make ends meet as she tries to create a new start for herself and her daughter in Newcastle, which leads Katie to finding work at an escort agency and using foodbanks.
The show contains frequent strong language, death of loved ones, and potentially triggering content including: descriptions of poor mental health (references manic depression), description of historical domestic abuse towards a woman and child, reference to living in a hostel, digital poverty, struggling with the benefits system including sanctions and delayed payments, living in poverty and its impact on children, extreme hunger, accessing foodbanks and sex work.
Sensory triggers included in I, Daniel Blake
- Total black-out or sudden lighting transitions
- Loud sudden noises or music
- High-pitched tones (e.g High frequency tones, clicks at the end of voicemails)
- Background music and/or noise (voice over sections)
- Haze
- Characters expressing anger, sadness, fear, threat.
- Characters addressing the audience
If you have been affected by any of the issues in the performance you can access support from these organisations.
Citizen’s Advice Bureau 0800 144 8848
Independent advice on a range of topics from benefits, work, debt and money, family and
housing.
Mind 0800 123 3393
Information and support on mental health including bereavement, loneliness, depression. You
can also access advice for those caring for others with mental health issues and specific
information for under 18s.
Refuge 0808 2000 247
A charity providing specialist support for women and children experiencing domestic violence —
helping them to overcome the physical, emotional, financial and logistical impacts of abuse and
rebuilt their lives.
Trussell Trust 0808 208 2138
Trussell Trust foodbanks welcome and support everyone who is referred to them, always acting
with respect and without judgment. Volunteers will give a minimum of three days’ emergency
food and offer support to resolve some of the difficulties you might be facing.