After the Act
After premiering at the New Diorama Theatre in 2023 and touring the UK, Breach Theatre's verbatim musical about Section 28 – the heinous legislation introduced in the late '80s to prevent the 'promotion' of homosexuality in schools – lands at the Royal Court Theatre after some tweaking and with a mostly different four-strong ensemble cast. It's funnier, sharper and more damning than ever before.
Co-writers Ellice Stevens and Billy Barrett have shaped the testimony of teachers, activists and students into songs drawing on the stylings of New Wave and electronica. The production starts with the recollections of the lesbians who famously ambushed Sue Lawley during a live news broadcast in protest at Section 28. The wryly hysterical re-enactment of this event, hitting a bigotry-skewering cartoon level of energy, is the strength of Barrett's staging, which leans even more into this now.
The first half of the production goes big to puncture the poisonous balloon parade of politicians, pundits and homophobic media outlets who created Section 28 by cynically whipping up panic over children's book Jenny Lives with Eric and Martin and misinformation about HIV/AIDS. There's even a show-stopping re-enactment of the moment when enterprising protestors abseiled into the House of Lords during the legislation's reading.
Stevens (also performing as part of the ensemble) has a ball as a lasciviously awful Maggie Thatcher after the interval. But where strengthening the bombast of the first half pays off is in accentuating the contrast with the devastating testimonies of teenagers and teachers whose lives were – in some cases – permanently harmed by the aftermath of Section 28. The quiet anguish feels that much louder after all the clowning noise.
The ensemble is great at matching their performances to the varying proportions of the script, helped by the deft music direction of Frew and the production's on-stage band. They may wink at the audience, but it's a knowingness fuelled by an intrinsic sense of the injustice of Section 28. And the show drops its satirical smile to powerfully address the similar discrimination faced by trans people now.
The second half still has the issue – after the first half so comprehensively explains why Section 28 came into being – of only fuzzily hand-waving at why the law was ultimately repealed. However, what it lacks in exposition, it makes up for by recreating the joyful defiance of Manchester Pride and the fierce love of community.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Leader Live
6 days ago
- Leader Live
Review: Tick, Tick... BOOM at Theatr Clwyd in Mold
Twenty-years since it first premiered in London, the musical follows the story of Jon, a struggling composer anxiously awaiting his big break, his best-friend Michael who has traded his passionate dreams for the corporate ladder, and dancer girlfriend, Susan, who is ready to settle down. (Image: Johan Persson) And there's only one big question as Jon approaches his dreaded 30th birthday; should he continue chasing his fragile hopes and dreams, or follow Michael's footsteps to pursue a stable career that pays? It closely reflects the life of Larson before his 1996 hit-sensation RENT refined what a musical looks like for an entire generation. Sadly, he died before he became knowing of the success he'd created. Both RENT and Tick, explore the emerging epidemic of AIDS, while challenging traditional musical beats and storytelling. And with just three players to tell the story, there was nowhere to hide. I'll admit I was sceptical, and yet Ryan Owen, Christina Modestou and Tarik Frimpong move across the stage with so much conviction, wit and flair that I instantly transported to a bitterly-cold New York apartment in 1990. (Image: Johan Persson) Their professionalism and talent allowed us to feel completely at ease in their presence for an undisturbed 90-minutes. In fact, despite rapid character changes, each fully-fledged personality on the stage is distinctly likeable which isn't achieved by the script alone. Christina's note-perfect performance of 'Come To Your Senses' as Karessa receives a roaring applause, not to mention her charismatic model of Joey's agent Estelle from hit sitcom Friends. (Image: Johan Persson) Her commanding energy and emotional connection with the boys only enhances the vibrant and dynamic bond shared on stage. Jon and Michael also draw out plenty of laughs amid their beautifully timed and crafty choreography, in addition to the gentle humour that fuels the action. Frimpong's delightful animation is endearing, and grounds Owen's restlessness wonderfully in the heavier moments. At times, it isn't obvious that Owen is the lead which is a testament to his undeniable talent. Jon remains at the heart of it all; relatable, doubtful and charming as he battles the internalised ticking of a clock. Oh, and the vocals and harmonies are faultless throughout. In fact, they're effortless. Gorgeous. And complimented by the band and additional character voices visible above the stage. The set and visual elements deserve their own round-of-applause, particularly the extraordinary use of the revolving floor, used to showcase the passing of time and physical journeys. From the rooftops to Moondance American Diner to Victory Towers, the set is visually stunning from start to finish. The striking lights and bold colour create a make-believe 90s New York masterpiece, and I didn't want to go home. READ MORE: Coronation Street star joins Theatr Clwyd cast Themes of love and relationships, crippling doubt and artistic expression pace the stage, and as the audience we're plunged into a confrontation of our own dreams and reality. A universal struggle. And two-decades later, the production is just as relevant. A timeless monologue acted out by most 20, 30 and 40-somethings. A ritual and annual crisis as the number of candles on the cake creep up. Tick, Tick... BOOM! is the perfect opening to showcase the new and improved theatre, symbolising new beginnings and unbounded creative expression. An absolute must see. You can catch it at Theatr Clwyd before June 28.
Time Out
12-06-2025
- Time Out
Depop is throwing a giant free fashion block party in Soho this weekend
One perk of living in New York are the fabulous free events running all summer long, like bustling street fairs and epic outdoor concerts. But what's a NYC summer without a block party? On Saturday, sustainable shopping app Depop will celebrate our city of irreverent style and one-of-a-kind lewks with a blowout bash in Soho. From 1pm to 7pm, the Depop Block Party will fill the streets with top-notch second-hand fashion, live music, lots of food, and community vibes on June 14. Head to 126 Crosby Street to score second-hand gems from notable resellers, including '90s and Y2K attire by Soulful Threads, Pawneshoppe womenswear, men's collections at Fareri and ChrisFinds, as well as cool kids' apparel curated by Glo2Sick, and of course accessories with NikiAngel. Beyond the clothing racks, block party guests can groove to DJ sets, pop into a subway-themed photobooth, customize merch using a heat press, and visit a Depop Newsstand for surprises. There will even be a dedicated kids' activity space. We all know shopping works up your appetite, which is why plenty of NYC-style pizza, smash burgers, and classic Mister Softee cones will be on hand for purchase. But if you download the Depop app and flash it at the wristband station on Houston Street, you'll be able to snag free snacks from said food trucks. What's more, the trendy marketplace has partnered with Housing Works to build a Depop Souvenir Shop set inside the nonprofit's store on Crosby Street, in addition to making a donation towards its HIV/AIDS advocacy and charities. A week later, Cosmopolitan will drop its collaborative collection with the resale retailer, featuring hand-picked items from magazine editors as well as an exclusive Cosmo collection of merchandise. This one-of-a-kind shopping event on June 21 will be hosted by Cosmopolitan Editor-In-Chief Willa Bennett and include creative experiences like crafting and photography in addition to all the vintage hunting. 'Across June, we're making circular fashion more visible, accessible and engaging for New Yorkers through a mix of media, IRL experiences and digital shopping,' Depop's Interim CEO Peter Semple said in a press release. 'We'll be showing up where culture, communities, creativity and commerce intersect …. we're excited to celebrate and contribute to the many kinds of style and self-expression that have their home in New York.'
The Guardian
12-06-2025
- The Guardian
A gannet, a strawberry moon and Michelin diners in the sky: photos of the day
A man rides a jet-ski on the Mediterranean coast Photograph: Omar Haj Kadour/AFP/Getty Images Firefighters at work at the site where a London-bound Air India crashed shortly after takeoff Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters Visitors view the UK Aids Memorial Quilt (1989-ongoing) at the Tate Modern. Made of 42 quilts and 23 individual panels the artwork represents the 384 people who have lost their lives to HIV in the UK Photograph: Chris J Ratcliffe/Reuters A woman dances in front of riot police officers as people continue to protest in the city centre against a series of immigration raids in the state Photograph:Competitors start a women's 200m backstroke race during world championship trails Photograph: Matt Turner/AAP The main room of the newly opened V&A East Storehouse museum at the former site of the 2012 Olympic Games Photograph: Henry Nicholls/AFP/Getty Images The US army's Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps performs at tattoo event Photograph: Rod Lamkey/AP Firecrackers thrown by anti-immigration protesters explode in front of riot police Photograph: Paul Faith/AFP/Getty Images People sit at tables on a structure suspended 50 metres in the air from a crane during a Michelin-starred event known as Dinner in the Sky Photograph: Yves Herman/Reuters State troopers detain participants in a protest against ICE immigration raids Photograph: Eric Gay/AP A gannet takes off from its nesting site Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images Women mourn the death of a loved one killed during Israel's overnight bombardment of the al-Shifa hospital Photograph: Omar Al-Qattaa/AFP/Getty Images Gallery workers prepare to hang Camille Pissarro's Avenue de l'Opera, part of an exhibition of the French Impressionist painter's work Photograph: John MacDougall/AFP/Getty Images Riot police advance on protesters against ICE immigration raids Photograph: David Swanson/Reuters Firefighters battle a blaze in a grocery shop destroyed by a Russian drone strike Photograph: Ukrainian State Emergency Service/AFP/Getty Images A photographer takes pictures of a strawberry full moon on the island of Gran Canaria Photograph: Borja Suárez/Reuters
