“The Royal hotel was not very Royal at all. Don’t reckon them lot in Buckingham palace would think much of this gaff!”
Ten-year-old Elsa loves to use her voice to make people laugh – she dreams of becoming a famous comedian one day. Even when her family is evicted from their home and forced to live in a run-down Bed and Breakfast, she’s determined to see the bright side. It’s going to take all her comedic superpowers to lighten up the lives of her new friends and family in the not-so-royal hotel, but Elsa won’t let that stop her.
When life takes another unexpected turn, Elsa must use her voice to save the hotel residents and discovers there might still be room to dream big.
A brand-new stage adaptation based on Jacqueline Wilson’s funny and heartwarming novel, join Elsa as she turns life’s toughest moments into laughter and friendship. Packed with humour, hope and imagination, The Bed and Breakfast Star is a tale of strength and resilience, proving dreams can thrive anywhere.
Created with children aged 8–13 in mind, with plenty for grown-ups to enjoy too.
Generously supported by The Linbury Trust.
More than a show
For Cardboard Citizens, The Bed and Breakfast Star is an opportunity to bring a story about homelessness to children and families, told through the funny, resilient and imaginative perspective of a child.
Alongside the tour, we’re developing a wider programme inviting children, families, schools and communities across the country to explore what home means to them, opening up conversations about home, housing insecurity and family homelessness through theatre, creativity and storytelling.
We’re delighted to be working with Crisis, the national charity for people experiencing homelessness, alongside people with lived experience and other partners, to help shape this work and ensure it contributes meaningfully to the wider conversation around homelessness and housing insecurity.
The programme begins this autumn with The Meaning of Home, a free creative workshop for children aged 5+ and their families at the Southbank Centre as part of London Literature Festival.
Friday 30 October 2026 | 10.30am – 12pm
The Clore Ballroom, Southbank Centre
Free and unticketed
Credits
A brand-new stage adaptation by Emma Dennis-Edwards, based on Jacqueline Wilson’s beloved novel The Bed and Breakfast Star.
Directed by Chris Sonnex.
A Cardboard Citizens and Polka Theatre co-production in association with the Mercury Theatre, presented in partnership with Crisis.
The Bed and Breakfast Star by Jacqueline Wilson illustrated by Nick Sharratt. Published by Puffin Books. Copyright © Jacqueline Wilson, Nick Sharratt 1994. Reprinted by permission of Penguin Books Ltd.
