Theatre: Speed Twins at Riverside Studios (by Maureen Chadwick)

"Standing at the Gates - choices & consequences"

Venue: Riverside Studios
Run:  Until 28th September
Tickets: £22.50 & £30.00
Purchase: https://www.riversidestudios.co.uk/online/performances.php?eventId=1111:2849

Bringing the Gateways back to life, but as a haunted, ghostly, deliberately eery setting with unnatural-narratology, this play explores how things turned out for some of our lesbian sisters of the past, and perhaps how they should have been had society been different. Through the situation and dilemma the characters find themselves in, there is a deep exploration of sexuality and identity, being oneself or choosing another route to confirm, and the consequences of a lifetime of living with those choices. Given a do-over - would we choose the same?


Amanda Boxer (Ollie) Mia Mackie (Shirley)
Photos: Catherine Ashmore 

Using the passage towards death as a lens, and a "dyke heaven" as the setting, different aspects of being a lesbian through the 1900s compared with modern times are discussed, re-enacted, rejected and accepted by the core three characters, ably played by the 3 strong all female cast. Humour is paced well throughout, although the overuse of lesbian stereotypes was a little staid at time. For most of the play, we don't know (along with the characters) exactly where they are and why they are there. However, by the time of the big reveal, it has all begun to make sense.

The staging and story at once transported us back to the Gateways sixties hey day and for another, brought out a strong desire to experience it for real - a frustration for those of us who are simply too young, juxtaposed against a sense of having it far easier in 2013 and not needing a safe haven in the same way. Chadwick's references to well known (and well chronicled) events at the Gateways, along with references to the established reputation of the place, bring to life the reverence within which the community held the establishment.

Excellent sound and lighting effects brought the staging to life and often guided the narrative journey in an effective manner, although perhaps with too much influence from the likes of Lost or Life on Mars. (Think smoke monster and you are close to the communicative air vent on stage). The juke box in particular as it played songs and wove in between loud and live and dream like enhanced the haunted performances. 


Mia Mackie (Shirley) Polly Hemingway (Queenie) Amanda Boxer (Ollie)

Photos: Catherine Ashmore

 

 

Tickets are priced from £22.50 which is on the steep side for a studio performance, however if you are interested in recapturing or engaging with our lesbian, queer women's heritage, this is an excellent opportunity. There is a gala performance on Tuesday 10th September in aid of Stonewall.

Mia Mackie (Shirley) Polly Hemingway (Queenie) Amanda Boxer (Ollie)

Photos: Catherine Ashmore

 

By Katie