THE global economy is a mess, the crash has landed and the tide has swept out to sea, taking all hope with it.

This is the backdrop to Proto-type Theater's political drama The Audit (or Iceland, A Modern Myth) at York Theatre Royal Studio on April 24.

"There’s less in our pockets and more to be spent. The rich have got richer, the middle’s squeezed tight, and the poor are being dragged ever downwards," says writer and director Andrew Westerside.

" Set amid the crash of the global financial markets, the show looks at the human cost of the corporate and personal greed that consumes countries – and tells how one small nation raised their voices in protest to rail against the currents."

Westerside's 60-minute play asks how can a small island nation survive when it is going it alone with economic relationships? A question that surely resonates with Brexit Britain.

"In a world where the driving force behind nearly every decision that affects our daily lives is profit, The Audit is about finding strength and overcoming a world designed to keep us docile, as it seeks to show that collective power can move a mountain, even if only a little."

Based on extensive research, Proto-type's fact-based theatre looks to "open our eyes, makes us think and challenges us to question what we are told in an increasingly divided and unpredictable world".

Devised and performed by Rachel Baynton and Gillian Lees, The Audit is Proto-type’s second theatrical work examining contemporary politics, following A Machine They’re Secretly Building, a show selected for the British Council Showcase at the 2017 Edinburgh Fringe.

"We conceived The Audit as a companion piece to A Machine," says Rachel. "Throughout our investigations for that show we kept coming back to the unavoidable truth that money is behind everything."

Gillian adds: "In researching the show, we spoke to academic economics experts, as well as with special interest and community groups across the country, to share experiences and discuss the profit motive that is behind the decisions and systems that govern our daily lives."

The Audit reunites the Proto-type creative team with digital designer Adam York Gregory and composer Paul J Rogers, who provides original music and the sound design. Tickets for April 24's 7.45pm show are on sale on 01904 623568 or at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.