Join us for two days of theatrical history that shaped a community. Attendees are invited to join to read a role, listen from the audience, or join the conversations that follow each piece, all are welcome. Each day-long marathon will introduce at least four plays, most never published or restaged, but essential to understanding how LGBTQ+ voices fought for space on British stages. Both days will be led by Dr Susan Croft alongside co-facilitators and performance makers Alexander Gallimore and Rachel Mars.

Material covered over the two days will include the work of lesbian playwright Maureen Duffy, groundbreaking productions from Bradford’s community theatre company The General Will (performing as The One-Off Company), and vital contributions from Brixton Faeries alongside lesbian feminist companies including Character Ladies, Hard Corps, Parker and Klein, and other mixed companies.

This event is the first of year two of Fifty Years of The Fight For Inclusion (FYFFI), a multi-year project celebrating key milestones in the fight for inclusion in British theatre, led by Unfinished Histories. Following on from last year’s celebrations of the first women’s theatre festival, 2025 marks half a century since Britain’s first Gay Theatre Festival, staged at Inter-Action’s Almost Free Theatre in 1975 by Gay Sweatshop.

Those attending will have the chance to apply for a microgrant to create new work inspired by these plays, building on the conversation between past and present.

This event is open to all and free to attend, with light refreshments provided. Space is limited, so advance booking is required. If you require access information or an access ticket, please get in touch info@londonperformancestudios.com   If tickets are sold out and you would like to enquire about waiting lists please email: ufhcontact@gmail.com

Saturday 19 July 2025 / Co-hosted by Alexander Gallimore & Dr. Susan Croft
NB Order of playreadings may differ from below

Mister X by Roger Baker and Drew Griffiths (Gay Sweatshop, 1976)
Minehead Revisited or The Warts That Dared to Speak Their Name by Brixton Faeries (1979)
Where to Now? by Martin Patrick (Oval House, 1988)
Men by Noel Greig and Don Milligan (The General Will, 1976) 
Teatrolley by Peter Scott-Presland (Consenting Adults in Public,1981)
All Het Up by Noel Greig and Bradford Gay Liberation Front Theatre Group (1975)

Saturday 26 July 2025 / Co-hosted by Rachel Mars & Dr. Susan Croft
NB Order of playreadings may differ from below

Ladies of the Vale by Sandra Freeman (Character Ladies, 1988)
John by Adele Saleem (Hard Corps, 1985)
Son of a Gun by Sidewalk Theatre scripted by John Burrows from the life story of Tash Fairbanks (1979)
Coming Out Straight by Debby Klein (Parker and Klein, 1985)
Rites by Maureen Duffy (1969)
Washouse: a masque by Maureen Duffy (1973)

If you would like more information about any of the plays, you can have a look here.