Overview

Abseiling lesbians! Queers in classrooms! Perverts panicking parents! Thatcher's Section 28, which banned the 'promotion' of homosexuality in schools, was the landmark legislation that silenced a generation, offered a global blueprint for LGBTQ+ oppression and galvanised a movement. Billy Barrett and Ellice Stevens's After the Act is a funny, camp and unapologetically queer musical about how a moral panic gripped a nation – and a community decided to fight back. Its inspiring, often heartbreaking, stories of teachers, students and activists impacted by the legislation are accompanied by a joyously exuberant score written by Frew and inspired by the music of the 1980s. It was first produced in 2023 by the award-winning theatre and film company Breach at New Diorama Theatre, London, before performances during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and a UK tour in 2024. 'Fizzing, fiery... sparkling satire... this musical feels exceptional... a massive achievement' — Guardian 'Fantastically daring... magnificent' — Time Out 'Empowering and gut-wrenching... full of righteous anger and euphoric 80s synths' — Telegraph 'Heart-rending yet joyful... brilliantly conveys the hysteria and outrage of Section 28' — The Stage 'A powerful and important piece of theatre' — Broadway World 'A moving tribute, a cry of fury, and a timely reminder against complacency – entertaining, provocative and important' — Arts Desk

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9781839043987

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Reviews

'Fizzing, fiery... sparkling satire... this musical feels exceptional... a massive achievement' * Guardian * 'Fantastically daring... magnificent' * Time Out * 'A powerful and important piece of theatre' * Broadway World * 'A moving tribute, a cry of fury, and a timely reminder against complacency – entertaining, provocative and important' * Arts Desk *

'Fizzing, fiery... sparkling satire... this musical feels exceptional... a massive achievement' * Guardian * 'Fantastically daring... magnificent' * Time Out * 'Empowering and gut-wrenching... full of righteous anger and euphoric 80s synths' * Telegraph * 'Heart-rending yet joyful... brilliantly conveys the hysteria and outrage of Section 28' * The Stage * 'A powerful and important piece of theatre' * Broadway World * 'A moving tribute, a cry of fury, and a timely reminder against complacency – entertaining, provocative and important' * Arts Desk *

Author Information

Billy Barrett is a theatre director and writer. He is co-Artistic Director of the devising theatre company Breach, whose productions he directs and co-writes. Author photo by Alex Brenner Ellice Stevens is a writer, theatre-maker, performer and co-founder of Breach Theatre. As a writer, she has co-written all of Breach's theatrical shows, including After the Act, It's True, It's True, It's True and Artemisia on Trial. Author photo by Robin Savage

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