Jacqueline Wilson's The Bed and Breakfast Star Tackles Homelessness on Stage

Jacqueline Wilson's beloved children's novel The Bed and Breakfast Star is coming to the stage in a new production that explores homelessness through the eyes of a ten-year-old girl.

Elsa loves making people laugh and dreams of becoming a famous comedian, but her family has lost their home and is forced to live in temporary accommodation. Their new surroundings are far removed from the glamorous life Elsa might imagine for herself, yet she continues to use humour and imagination to cope with what is happening.

The story follows Elsa as she adjusts to an unfamiliar environment while her family attempts to rebuild its life. Through her eyes, homelessness becomes something personal rather than an abstract social issue, showing how losing a permanent home can affect a child's friendships, confidence and sense of security.

Why The Bed and Breakfast Star matters now

Wilson's original book was notable for approaching homelessness from a child's perspective, and the new stage adaptation arrives at a time when the subject remains an urgent issue for families across England.

Cardboard Citizens is bringing the story to the stage in its first theatre production specifically for children during its 30-year history. Emma Dennis-Edwards has written the new adaptation, with Cardboard Citizens Artistic Director Chris Sonnex directing.

The production is being presented in partnership with Crisis, adding another significant dimension to a story that is ultimately about how children experience circumstances created by forces beyond their control.

Rather than presenting Elsa simply as a victim of her situation, the story keeps her personality at its centre. Her sense of humour and ambition become important ways of dealing with uncertainty while her family tries to find a more permanent future.

When is The Bed and Breakfast Star on?

The world premiere will run at Polka Theatre from 25 March to 25 April 2027 before moving to the Mercury Theatre from 29 April to 2 May, with further tour dates to be announced.

The production is aimed at children aged eight to 13 and has a running time of approximately 85 minutes.

Book tickets for The Bed and Breakfast Star at Polka Theatre.