Gwenda’s Garage

Gwenda’s Garage description

Make your way to London's Southwark Playhouse for a brilliant true story, Gwenda's Garage.

Gwenda's Garage: The Musical demolishes the patriarchy with a dazzling bend of politics, passion, and protest, one spark plug at a time. Welcome to the 1980s when Thatcher's Britain ruled the waves and, in Sheffield, rebellion was brewing. The setting is a small industrial unit where three female mechanics decide to set up their own garage, named after the female racing driver Gwenda Stewart. A riot of everyday sexism, homophobia, and Section 28 rebellion ensues as the women campaign for their rights.

This inspiring call to arms is a music-filled experience exploring feminism and friendship, and celebrating the power of collective action. Better still, it's a true story. Gwenda's Garage was a real-life car repair place run by lesbians in 1980s Sheffield. The musical is inspired by actual interviews with feminist campaigners, garage workers, and customers of the time, capturing the stories behind the feisty females who trained the women of South Yorkshire and beyond in a trade that was almost exclusively male.

Nancy Brabin Platt plays Bev, with Georgina Coram as Feona, Liz Kitchen as Multi-roling, Sia Kiwa as Terry, Lucy Mackay as Dipstick and Eva Scott as Carol. The script is by Nicky Hallett, the Music by Val Regan, and the Lyrics by both women. It's presented by Out of the Archive, in association with Sheffield Theatres.

The creative team also includes Jelena Budimir Director and Dramaturg, Becky Graham Costume Designer, Sarah Booth Set Designer, Joe Dines Sound Designer, and Callum Macdonald Lighting Designer. Jas Nisic is the Lead Producer and Gabby Vautier for imPOSSIBLE Producing is the Associate Producer. Tom Robbins Production is the Production Manager, with Val Regan as Musical Director and Associate Musical Director Liz Kitchen.

Take yourself back in time to the bad old, good old 1980s with Gwenda's Garage tickets, a unique musical whose warm heart hides a steely bite.

Playing at Southwark Playhouse Borough

77-85 Newington Causeway, London, SE1 6BD GB (venue info)

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