Managed Approach

Managed Approach is a groundbreaking semi-verbatim play about the UK’s first legalised red-light district. Taking its name from a local government initiative, the Managed Approach allowed sex workers to operate between 8pm and 6am under police supervision in Holbeck, Leeds. This government policy was in effect from 2014 to 2020.

Managed Approach centres a fraught mother and daughter relationship whose opposing views reflect the community's divided response to the controversial scheme. The narrative explores the evolving relationship of these characters and their newfound responsibilities as a parent and child living in a red-light district. Interspersing the drama, transcribed interviews with affected sex workers are delivered as verbatim monologues. Highlighting the realities of modern sex work, these testimonies amplify the most relevant– yet, unfortunately, most silenced– voices of the Managed Approach. Managed Approach acts as Jules Coyle’s (writer, co-lead) love letter to her hometown and the strong, Northern women who live there. 

Navigating between drama, comedy and nostalgic relief, Managed Approach has received critical acclaim across its debut and 2025 Edinburgh Fringe run.

FEST MAG ★★★★★

VARSITY ★★★★★ 'Managed Approach is masterful.'

THE TAB ★★★★★ ‘Managed Approach is a must-see’

BINGE FRINGE ★★★★ ‘A thoroughly captivating play, [Managed Approach] informs and entertains in wonderful balance’

THE INDIEPENDENT ★★★★