When a regional story hits the national news, it’s not always cause for celebration. As Birmingham’s bin strike continues - along with media coverage of streets piled high with rubbish, and ghoulishly oversized rats - the question of who is responsible looms as large as an overflowing wheelie bin.
Birmingham’s own Lauren O’Rourke - actor, writer & comedian, whose credits include Drifters, The Inbetweeners Movie and White Gold - has tackled the unsavoury subject in a play at the National Youth Theatre’s new writing festival, StoryFest. Bin Girl, set against the backdrop of the city’s ongoing strike, is hailed as a fiercely relevant comic drama that questions who gets given the blame, and explores the limits of female solidarity...

Lauren here talks about the process of dramatising current events which, for her, are literally close to home...

What was your original inspiration behind creating Bin Girl?
National Youth Theatre had asked me to investigate the recent TikTok movement and the rise of the 'Trad wife' - women tapping out from the workplace and returning to a homely, domestic role. Some discussions on that topic made me feel that life is, in fact, complicated for women. You can do it all, but you'll mostly be doing it yourself. There’s a lot to juggle. 
Then an article appeared with the headline ‘Women to blame for the Birmingham bin strikes,’ and I thought ‘Sure, of course we are!’ I found it amusing, and I realised I wanted to delve deeper into that world. 

How do the experiences of acting and writing differ for you?
Both are equally terrifying. The first sharing of the first draft of Bin Girl, I couldn't make eye contact with any of the cast! I had such fears that they wouldn't like it, get it, believe it... However, it's been amazing to see them take my words and make them their own and nail the characters. 
Both are creative processes that produce a lot of nervous adrenaline, but with writing, at least I have a little more control. And I can hide!   

The play explores the current Birmingham bin strikes. How have you tried to dramatise events that are still ongoing?
I've used humour as much as I can! What’s excellent about this happening live is that there’s some amusing, real content across social media, which has also allowed me to include all sorts of media within the piece. Cilla Black's Bin Song has been a handy treat - no spoilers! 

How have you explored the themes of blame and female solidarity in the play?
The narrative across the media is that the bin workers can’t be negotiated with because the council are still to settle a huge equal-pay liability or are at risk of creating new claims. I wanted to explore a world where one woman fights for what's right and the other women would rather not - heap a load of rubbish on everyone, and that pressure builds. 
Sometimes, as women, we have lots of obstacles before us, and doing 'what's right' isn't necessarily the easiest or beneficial option.

What does it mean for you to tell a story that’s close to your own home?
It's essential. I'm really proud of my roots and my humble upbringing. Everyone in my area has a humour and authenticity, and a sparkle behind the eye. However, the country knows things are tough, and our sparkle is diminishing. 
The people of Birmingham have been massively let down - I even played a social-media clip within the show that describes Birmingham as the worst city in Europe. That's hard to swallow, so I'm glad I get to represent. 

What do you hope audiences who aren't from Birmingham will take away from the play?
The piece will speak to all regional towns. This story isn't just for Birmingham. It's about the constant squeezing and squashing of the working man/woman. Throw 17 tonnes of rubbish and giant rats into the street, we might just crack. 
It also speaks to women - how we can be excellent to each other, but also the ability to be very cruel and unsupportive at times. That's because women are under more pressure than they've ever been.
However, I hope that they take joy. That they have a good night and feel entertained.

Bin Girl was recently performed at the National Youth Theatre’s headquarters in North London - as part of StoryFest 2025 - by an ensemble cast full of local Birmingham talent.