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.

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