Managed Approach

Managed Approach is a five-star, semi-verbatim play that reflects upon the UK’s first legalised red-light district.

From 2014–2020, a local government initiative known as the Managed Approach permitted sex workers to operate under certain regulations in Holbeck, Leeds.

Exploring the community’s divided response, Managed Approach follows a mother and daughter’s evolving relationship as they navigate their newfound responsibilities of living in this red-light district.

Their story is interwoven with verbatim testimonies taken from impacted sex workers. Jules Coyle (writer, co-lead) conducted these interviews to highlight the realities of modern sex work and amplify the most relevant—yet most often marginalised—voices of the Managed Approach.

Managed Approach has received five-star critical acclaim across its debut and 2025 Edinburgh Fringe run, alongside support from Keep It Fringe, Gilded Balloon and a shortlist for Pleasance’s Charlie Hartill Award. The play functions as Coyle’s love letter to her hometown and the strong Northern women who live there.

VARSITY ★★★★★ ‘masterful’, ‘a joyous show’

THE TAB ★★★★★ ‘a must-see for anyone at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe’

FEST MAG ★★★★★ ‘a moving and original exploration of recent events’

THE INDEPENDENT ★★★★ ‘an unforgettable telling of an important part of recent UK policy that deserves a watch by everyone’