From war-torn Europe to present day London, this solo show follows the journey of a bespoke man's overcoat. Written and performed by Jo Cross, it asks what price we place on physical and emotional warmth and the legacy inherent in garments we cherish.

On a cold night, in a war-torn, 20^th century European city a man on the run abandons his new, bespoke, black overcoat. Once discovered who, of an unlikely bunch of individuals, gets to feel the benefit of this most iconic of garments and what purpose does our overcoat serve when it surfaces in 21^st century London? Through a mix of narrative, dialogue and verse the Benefit pays tribute to the art of tailoring while asserting our right to both physical and emotional warmth.

Post-show Q & A (both nights) Jo would love her audience to come along to the show wearing a much loved garment and stay on for a little while afterwards for a chat or to just to ask about the show’s development.

Jo Cross is an actor, author and blogger. As Dr. Jo Cross she has advised Bristol’s performing arts community on ageing and countering ageism. Jo’s first play Age Queer was supported by Theatre West under their Arts Council funded Zooming Ahead Scheme for Women Writers 2021.

All tickets include a £1 admin charge

Approx running time 1 hour 15 (no interval)

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The Alma Theatre has been serving the community for 25 years and has never been the recipient of ACE or other funding and were unable to secure the Covid Arts Recovery Fund. We have been offering reduced rates, preferential box office splits and extended promo support to aid the recovery from the past year and a half. Your help will enable us to continue bringing fantastic stories to your local theatre. 50% of your donation will go to the Alma Theatre, and 50% to our inhouse company, Schoolhouse Productions.

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