’19-year-old Mark lives in Highgate, Birmingham, where he cares for his drug-addict mum and her new-born baby. Mark is being forced to live a life he never signed up for, and he seems to be willing to take desperate measures to change things forever.’ This enraged and explicit monologue includes profanity, nudity and themes of drugs, sex and violence, grabbing audience members by the throat in a relentless grip all the way till the end. There are fits of venomous rage, shuddering sobs as well as a spattering of humour amidst the bleakness. Birmingham based company Gritty Theatre are dedicated to reflecting the concerns and issues of the communities they live and work in and Bones certainly promises to deliver just that. Shortlisted for a Brighton Fringe Award for Excellence after appearing at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2015. Unfiltered, unapologetic and unique, Bones promises to shed light on the forgotten and downtrodden in society who still very much have a story worth telling if you’re brave enough to listen.

Tue 16 Jan – Wed 17 Jan, Old Joint Stock 4 Temple Row W, Birmingham B2 5NY. 8pm, £10 www.oldjointstock.co.uk