Phil is in love with himself. And he’s a show off. He’s crafted a personality disorder into a trade. Who’d be a stand-up comedian these days?

Above a pub in North London, Phil is drinking and fighting off mild panic about his comeback gig. His manager’s already dumped him and he’s worried about finding a place to stay for the night too. As he laments his dwindling career, his supporters gather to wish him well.

Craving success and celebrity too, Josh suspects his father of behaving very badly. With the time of the performance fast approaching, guilty secrets emerge that split the family wide apart. Tonight, Phil’s career might not be the only thing in tatters.

Comic and moving, Broken Lad is a subtle examination of masculinity in distress.

Robin Hooper

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