Our Town Needs a Nando’s

Our Town Needs a Nando’s by Samantha O’Rourke is a thought-provoking work published by Bloomsbury Academic on September 7, 2023. This 80-page edition explores the challenges faced by young individuals in a small town, particularly focusing on themes of identity and belonging. The narrative centers around characters like Beth, Rachel, Zahidah, Ellie, and Chloe, who navigate the complexities of growing up in an environment that often feels limiting and unwelcoming.

Readers will find a blend of drama and literary criticism as the story addresses the struggles of youth, especially for those who feel marginalized, such as queer individuals and newcomers. The characters are depicted as being trapped in their circumstances, including their drama group and school life, while yearning for more, symbolized by the absence of a Nando’s in their town. This edition is part of Methuen Drama’s Plays for Young People series, designed to resonate with young performers and audiences in educational settings.