Recently released on probation, Shaz is troubled by her past and the crime she committed that sent her away. The probation services have teamed her up with Esme, a woman in her seventies whom, despite being her aunt, Shaz has never met before. Esme is a religious Christian who insists on certain standards, many of them which Shaz is not capable of meeting. Still, an unlikely friendship blossoms between the two, building to a solid relationship which proves the redemption that Shaz has needed for so long. 'The Madness of Esme and Shaz' was first presented at the Royal Court Theatre, London, in February, 1994.