A Taste of Honey: historical context

Historical Context of A Taste of Honey

“A Taste of Honey” is a play written by Shelagh Delaney, first performed in 1958.
It was written when Delaney was just 19, bringing a new perspective to theatre - that of the young, female, working class.

The play is part of the genre known as “kitchen sink drama”, a term used to describe British plays of the 1950s and 1960s that focused on working-class life.
This genre sought to illustrate the harsh realities and social changes of the period.

The backdrop of the play takes place in post-war Britain, specifically in the 1950s, a time of social upheaval, economic depression, and the start of the feminist and civil rights movements.
The play is set in the industrial city of Manchester, a setting often associated with economic hardship and struggle.

Delaney’s play is a critique of the social issues of the time, tackling themes such as poverty, single parenting, racism, and homosexuality.
The bold exploration of these topics was revolutionary for its time.
“A Taste of Honey” challenged the norms of the time, calling to question institutionally accepted prejudices.
The play reflects changes that were happening in society regarding class, race, and gender, reflecting the beginning of a move away from stereotypical roles.

British New Wave Cinema, a popular movement during the time, influenced “A Taste of Honey”.
The play was written during a time called the “Angry Young Men” movement in British literature.
This movement was characterized by disillusionment with traditional British norms and the class system.

The Welfare State reforms introduced by the Labour government after World War II, such as free healthcare (NHS) and improved education, were set to erase social inequalities.
However, the play offers a perspective that these reforms were ineffective in eradicating poverty and prejudice.

“A Taste of Honey” is a response to the state of the nation though the depiction of a struggling working-class woman, going against the traditional portrayal of women as mothers and wives.
It predates second wave feminism.