Before The Act Podcast

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 fast forward to the repeal of Section 28 in 2003.For more info and images of the night go to www.beforetheactpodcast.com

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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 Staunton.This podcast was written and produced by Bev Ayre, stage manager of Before The Act.

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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 backdrop to a number of public protests in 1988 including lesbians abseiling into parliament and storming the 6 O'Clock News live on the BBC. Sharing backstage gossip and production secrets in interviews are: Before The Act producer Trina Cornwell, members of The Hot Doris Band - Mandy Short, Katrina Buchanan, Sayan Kent and Karen Parker from Parker & Klein - all performers on the stage that night. This podcast was written and produced by Bev Ayre who was stage manager of Before The Act.

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.