Unprotected is a play which deserves to be on the stage, it highlights the issues that we in most towns now face – prostitution.  There are many takes on the controversial subject; those who believe that prostitutes are bad people, drunks, druggies, dangerous and hopeless.  Others are of the opinion that prostitutes are in fact real people with real feeling and real lives who should be give the opportunity to work safely and  Some would rather it happened on someone else street.  Whatever the stance, or opinion the question still remains, how do you help them, is helping them making it legal?

This is a play that was written in response to Liverpool’s proposed legal zone for street sex workers.  Four Liverpool writers Esther Wilson, John Fay, Tony Green & Lizzie Nunne did their research before embarking on the task.  They took into account the lives, stories, and words of various people who are experiencing such a life, or are directly or indirectly affected by it and allows them to be heard in order to show all viewpoint of the debate.

Unprotected is a Gripping and courageous docu-drama, played by 6 experienced actors (Leanne Best, Neil Caple, Pauline Daniels, Paul Duckworth, Tricia Kelly, Joan Kempson) Who all play various parts from policeman, punter, mother, daughter and lawyer.  The only character that remains the same in Ali the prostitute (Leanne Best) who takes you through some of her daily duties and the type of people she meets along the way

The play touches on beginnings, how things start, how they evolve into what they are and become the norms of people’s lives.  It raises questions about who is really to blame, if anyone at all.  It sucks you into a seedy world were sordid affairs and exploitation becomes a way of survival and for others a way of escapism or in some cases addiction.  It is educational in as much as it draws you into each individual’s black hole, with some black humour along the way.

A video back drop helps to complete the picture and conjure up the images in the audiences mind.  This is a slightly raw piece of theatre with no frills. Some may find, it uncomfortable engaging in the plight of these people, for others, enlightening.  Either way; it may not have the answers but it certainly raises some important questions.

Traverse Theatre, Cambridge Street (0131 228 1404)

Sun 6 Aug (8.45pm), Tue 8 Aug (10am), Wed 9 Aug (1.15pm),
Thu 10 Aug (4.30pm), Fri 11 Aug (7.30pm), Sat 12 Aug (10am), Sun 13 Aug (1.15pm), Tue 15 Aug (4.30pm), Wed 16 Aug (7.30pm), Thu 17 Aug (10am), Fri 18 Aug (1.15pm), Sat 19 Aug (4.30pm), Sun 20 Aug (7.30pm)

Tickets: £15 (£10/unemployed £4.50)