Before The Act Podcast

Before The Act Podcast

On 5th June 1988 at the Piccadilly Theatre in London’s West End a remarkable theatrical celebration took place – Before The Act. It showcased the work of lesbian and gay authors, poets, playwrights and composers and was intended to highlight the harmful impact of Section 28 – a notorious piece of legislation which prohibited the ‘promotion of homosexuality‘. For more info and images from the night visit www.beforetheactpodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

July 6, 2020 24 mins

On 5th June 1988  at the Piccadilly Theatre in London’s West End a remarkable theatrical celebration took place – Before The Act. It showcased the work of lesbian and gay authors, poets, playwrights and composers and highlighted the harmful impact of Section 28 – a notorious piece of legislation which prohibited the ‘promotion of homosexuality‘.

Episode 1 uses news and radio clips from the time to explore the homophobic ba...

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Mark as Played
Episode 2. As the curtain rises at the Piccadilly Theatre on 5th June 1988 we hear recollections from opening act The Hot Doris Band and Before The Act producer Trina Cornwell. Featuring rare audio clips recorded on the night not only of The Hot Doris Band but also Sheila Hancock, Ian McKellen and Hugh Quarshie, Peggy Ashcroft, Pam St Clement with soap stars from Eastenders and Brookside and a rousing song from Imelda Sta...

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August 5, 2020 27 mins
Episode 3 starts in the bar over interval drinks with Lisa Power who was one of the founding members of Stonewall. As we take our seats for the second half we are treated to the first ever live performance by The Pet Shop Boys and hear from Stephen Fry. Alan Bennett makes a witty coming out speech before Joan Plowright, Juliet Stevenson, Alan Bates, Francesca Annis and Miranda Richardson take to the stage. The curtain falls and we ...

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Mark as Played

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