Natasha Sparkes in Boiling Frogs, written by Kayleigh Llewellyn. Credit: Black Apron Entertainment.
A film series exploring the multiple realities of homelessness in the UK today.
The Campaign
More Than One Story was a nine-week digital campaign using film to explore the UK’s homelessness crisis. Co-produced with Black Apron Entertainment and in partnership with Big Issue, it marked Cardboard Citizens’ first venture into filmmaking.
The project featured nine monologues commissioned from emerging and established writers, all with lived experience, including Roy Williams, Charlie Josephine and Kayleigh Llewellyn. Each film explored a different theme of hidden homelessness, such as overcrowding living, sofa-surfing, domestic abuse, and challenges faced by migrant, Black, and LGBTQ+ communities – and was performed by Members of Cardboard Citizens.
The campaign launched in July 2024 across print, digital, social media, and events, including a screening at the Barbican and nine features in Big Issue. A microsite hosted weekly releases, homelessness stats, and calls to action.
This multi-channel approach helped us reach new audiences, raise awareness, and build a powerful digital presence – a first for the small theatre company.
Sonia Singh in The Surviving Room, written by Neetu Singh. Credit: Black Apron Entertainment.
Artistic Director and joint CEO of Cardboard Citizens
The Change
More Than One Story exceeded campaign goals, demonstrating the power of authentic storytelling to shift perceptions and drive conversations. Created to amplify the voices of those with lived experience of homelessness, poverty, and inequality, individuals affected by these issues were central to every stage, from writing and performance to production and promotion.
All writers and actors were paid, ensuring fair representation and professional recognition. Trainees from the Citz Futures initiative gained hands-on industry experience, helping break down barriers for young people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
The campaign exceeded its digital reach target by 206%. Website traffic increased by 236%, the films reached 157,000 people and received 76,000 views globally.
Post-event surveys revealed 88% of respondents had an increased awareness of homelessness and felt inspired to act. 76% gained a greater understanding of Cardboard Citizens, and 48% of viewers identified as having personal experience of homelessness.
The Future
Following the success of the film series, Cardboard Citizens are pleased to launch a national open call for More Than One Story: The Anthology – a powerful collection of monologues that spotlight the realities of homelessness and poverty in the UK today.
In the UK, over 16 million people live in poverty, and 1 in every 200 households face homelessness. Yet these stories are too often unheard, overlooked, or told by someone else. It’s time to change that.
Cardboard Citizens are inviting writers with lived experience of homelessness or poverty to submit monologues for a new anthology, in association with Big Issue and published by Nick Hern Books. They’re looking for stories that challenge perceptions, build understanding, and inspire change.
Selected entries from this national open call will be published alongside new monologues by Malorie Blackman, Chris Bush, Michelle De Swarte, Inua Ellams, Matilda Ibini and Joelle Taylor. Writers will receive a commission fee, feedback, and the opportunity to join our brand-new artist network launching later this year.
Submissions are open until midnight on 30 June. You can find out more here: https://mtos.cardboardcitizens.org.uk/anthology/
