An intricate, tender play about the obligations we have to one another, and those we would rather not. Roanna sees no reason to get involved with other people's problem. She's furious when her son, Jonathan, tries to help their neighbour. Laura, on the other hand, is determined to help unemployed Eddie. But Eddie smells a rat and contests her good intentions. Just who is helping whom? And what is everyone getting out of it? Clare McIntyre's play The Thickness of Skin was first staged at the Royal Court Theatre, London, in 1996. Published in the Nick Hern Books Instant Playscript series - designed to reflect the immediacy of the play on the stage. Printed only a few days before opening night, the aim is to give audiences at the theatre and readers all over the world instant access to the best of current new writing as it hits the stage. 'A complex and absorbing play... about the damage and confusions caused by need' — The Times 'Beautifully written, humane piece' — Financial Times