Cathy is inspired by Ken Loach’s landmark film about homelessness

People who have experienced homelessness are being offered £1 tickets to an Edinburgh Fringe show.

The production, called Cathy, is inspired by Ken Loach’s landmark film Cathy Come Home, which led directly to the creation of homeless charity Shelter.

It is being staged by the Cardboard Citizens company and aims to raise the issue of homelessness at the festival.

Directed by Adrian Jackson with a script by award-winning playwright Ali Taylor, the play looks at how life might be for Cathy in 2017.

Cathy is a chilling reminder of the continuing tragedy of homelessness

The plot was inspired by true stories and reflects “the social and personal impact of spiralling housing costs, gentrification and the lack of truly affordable housing”.

A number of tickets for the run have been allocated for sale to people who are, or have been, homeless. These will be available for £1 and distributed with help from Shelter Scotland.

Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, said: “Great progress has been made since Cathy Come Home was shown.

“But the stark reality is that we still have a long way to go, with many of the failings of the housing system that led to Shelter Scotland being formed in 1968 still existing today.

“Cardboard Citizens’ production of Cathy is a chilling reminder of the continuing tragedy of homelessness.”

Cathy will play at the Pleasance Theatre’s King Dome from August 2 to 26.