Ten Tiny Fingers, Nine Tiny Toes

In a dystopian future, Ten Tiny Fingers, Nine Tiny Toes examines the consequences of a society where only the elite can reproduce and perfection is mandatory.

Set in a dystopian future Britain, Ten Tiny Fingers, Nine Tiny Toes explores a society where reproduction is strictly controlled. Only the elite are permitted to have children, and those offspring must meet perfection standards to survive. This tragi-comedy, first staged at the Library Theatre in Manchester in November 1989, delves into the moral complexities of a world where societal hierarchy dictates the value of life itself.

The narrative unfolds in the year 2001, where the class system is categorized from one to five. The story centers on the birth of a 'class five' baby, a perfect yet illegal child, juxtaposed against the grim fate of an 'imperfect' government baby. The latter, born to a 'class three' mother, faces extermination due to a minor physical flaw—having nine toes. This chilling portrayal raises questions about humanity, ethics, and the implications of a society obsessed with perfection.

As the characters navigate this oppressive world, Ten Tiny Fingers, Nine Tiny Toes serves as both a cautionary tale and a darkly humorous reflection on the absurdities of social norms. The author, known for works like The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole, weaves a narrative that is both compelling and thought-provoking, leaving audiences to ponder the true meaning of worth and acceptance in a flawed world.