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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 and 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.
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.
—BroadwayWorld
A moving tribute, a cry of fury, and a timely reminder against complacency—entertaining, provocative and important.
—Arts Desk
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.
Ellice Stevens is a writer, theatremaker, 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.