Free Films for LGBT+ History Month 2021
In the 1970s, Burnley was the UK’s battleground for gay and lesbian rights. Who knew, right?! To mark the 50th anniversary of the Sexual Offences Act (1967), LGBT History Month commissioned two brilliant new dramas from Inkbrew Productions to rediscover this amazing forgotten history. Both productions were made possible with funding from the Arts Council England and from our generous patron, Russell T Davies.
The Burnley Buggers’ Ball, by Stephen M Hornby, tells the story of a transformative political meeting held at Burnley Central Library in July 1971. The play was staged in the actual space that the meeting was held in, thanks to the support and kindness of Lancashire County Council who brought it out of retirement for this production. The production featured a professional cast in the main roles and a supporting cast from the wonderful Burnley Youth Theatre. Director Matt Hassall created an amazing immersive experience for the audience who become the attendees at the infamous meeting and had to decide whether to, “Stand up if you’re gay!”.
PICTURE: (Front left to right: Michael Justice as Allan Horsfall, Christopher Brown as Andrew Lumsden and Burnley Youth Theatre)
Burnley’s Lesbian Liberator by Abi Hynes dramatises the political activism of Mary Winter, a bus driver sacked for nothing more than wearing a badge, a badge that said, “Lesbian Liberator”. Suspended by management and unsupported by her union, Mary organises a picket of the Burnley Bus Station to protest her case and draw a line to inspire others. Helen Parry’s skillful direction of the piece draws the audience into the narrative of the Mary’s grievance and then invites them to become activists in her cause, to take up banners, chant and attend a rally outside within a few meters of the where the original rally took place at the entrance to Burnley Bus Station.
PICTURE: Emily Heyworth as Susan leads the audience out with a “Gay Is Good” placard
Both films will be available to view from 1 February – 6 April 2021. If you enjoy them, please consider making a small donation to our parent charity LGBT History Month using the link below:
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