The Grand Scheme of Things

the bold new novel about prejudice in the theatre world

By: Warona Jay

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Paperback | 14 January 2025

At a Glance

Paperback
304 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
21.6 x 13.5 x 2.5

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Her play, his name - a young Black playwright hatches a plan with her white male friend to expose the racism of the British theatrical establishment in this whip-smart, immersive satire, perfect for fans of YELLOWFACE

'This blistering story puts you in mind of last year's blockbuster hit, Yellowface . . . Enjoyable, riotously mischievous and gleefully direct, without losing nuance or lapsing into caricature' Daily Mail

Meet Relebogile Naledi Mpho Moruakgomo. Or, for short, Eddie: an aspiring playwright who dreams of making it big in London's theatre world. But after repeated rejections from white talent agents, Eddie suspects her non-white sounding name might be the problem.

Enter Hugo Lawrence Smith: good looking, well-connected, charismatic and . . . very white. Stifled by his law degree and looking for a way out of the corporate world, he finds a kindred spirit in Eddie after a chance encounter at a cafe.

Together they devise a plan which will see Eddie's play on stage and Hugo's name in lights and expose the theatre world for its racism and hollow clout-chasing. But as their plan spins wildly out of control, Eddie and Hugo find themselves wondering if their reputations, and their friendship, can survive.

Industry Reviews

'This blistering story puts you in mind of last year's blockbuster hit, Yellowface . . . Enjoyable, riotously mischievous and gleefully direct, without losing nuance or lapsing into caricature' - Daily Mail

'With a combination of wit and compassion, Jay offers a trenchant examination of systemic racism in the arts from the POVs of survivors, unwitting contributors and intentional participants, while at the same time shining a light on the drives that bind us all: the desire for love, success and a sense of worth in our communities. Jay doesn't offer easy answers or simplistic characterisations: everyone is beautifully complicated - they keep you guessing from start to finish. What a fabulous debut novel!' - Megan Campisi, author of THE SIN EATER

'American Fiction meets Queenie: The Grand Scheme of Things skewers racism in the arts, while humorously and honestly exploring the importance of community, and what we'll do for love and success. I couldn't put it down'' - Jenna Clake, author of DISTURBANCE

'The Grand Scheme Of Things is a beautiful, funny must-read from a writer who shines the spotlight on theatre and its old-school, elitist ways. It's five stars from me' - Sophia A Jackson, Editor/Founder of Afridiziak Theatre News

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