New musical After The Act about Section 28 to make world premiere at New Diorama Theatre

A brand new documentary musical will explore the history of Section 28 in the UK and its impact on the queer community to today.

After The Act from Breach Theatre (It’s True, It’s True, It’s True) examines the law which prohibited the ‘promotion’ of homosexuality by local authorities, including schools. The law was enacted in 1988 and repealed in England in 2003.

The world premiere production will run at the New Diorama Theatre from 28 February – 1 April 2023, directed by Billy Barrett with an original score by Frew.

The new musical will feature a queer cast of performers who grew up during the time the legislation was in action.

Every word in the show is taken from interviews the company has undertaken with students, activists, and teachers, as well as from tabloid articles and news clips from the era.

After the Act takes its title inspiration from Before the Act, a night of entertainment and protest in response to the clause in 1988.

Writers Ellice Stevens and Billy Barrett from Breach theatre said: “As part of the generation that grew up under section 28, this is a story that’s hugely personal to us as well as political. The moral panic of the 1980’s over LGBT-inclusive education had an enormous impact on our coming of age and sense of ourselves as young queer people in the 90’s and noughties.

“It’s been fascinating and a real privilege to speak to so many LGBT people of a slightly older generation who remember the fight for and against section 28, and to people of all ages on its impact on them. We hope that by telling their stories,anyone who comes to see the show – will be inspired to continue the fight for lgbt rights and representation.”

For more information and tickets, visit www.newdiorama.com and www.breachtheatre.com