Laura has been commissioned to write an exclusive profile of businesswoman extraordinaire Mary Greene, who has recently become a leading philanthropist.

But as Laura digs deeper into Mary’s charitable motivations, she discovers a much more interesting angle. Michael, Mary’s “Charitable Giving Advisor”, seems to have an inordinate amount of influence over her decisions. Is it right that he wields so much power when his motives and priorities might not stand up to scrutiny? Or does the rationale for – and the morality of – philanthropic giving matter less than the outcome? It’s always better to give than to receive. Isn’t it?

Hannah Patterson’s absorbing new play asks whether giving to charity can ever truly be altruistic and who actually gains the most - the recipient, the donor or the broker? Hannah’s theatre credits include Come To Where I’m From (Paines Plough/Southbank Centre), Playing With Grown Ups (Theatre503/Brits off Broadway) and MUCH (Cock Tavern), which she is adapting for film. 

Director Bijan Sheibani makes his Hampstead Downstairs debut. His recent theatre credits include A Taste of Honey and Emil and the Detectives (both National Theatre) and The House of Bernarda Alba (Almeida).