Presented by Gary Clarke Company Ltd

In 1988, a piece of legislation from Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative Government devastated lives. Gary Clarke Company’s new dance theatre show following COAL and WASTELAND, explores Section 28, which ‘prohibited the promotion of homosexuality’, forcing the LGBT+ community into a place of secrecy, fear and shame. Set to a backdrop of nationwide industrial turmoil and the onslaught of Aids.

Gary Clarke uses powerful storytelling, drawing on verbatim testimonies, with vivid choreography performed by a company of exceptional dancers, narrator, and local cast of LGBT+ people. Featuring music tracks by iconic Test Dept, DETENTION is a bold and moving portrayal of the remarkable resilience of the individuals and organisations of the time.

To find out more about the UK tour visit: www.detentiontour.co.uk

Co-commissioned by Nottingham Playhouse, Grand Theatre Blackpool, Lawrence Batley Theatre, Cast, The Place.

Gary Clarke Company is supported using public funding through Arts Council England and core funding from John Ellerman Foundation.

Join the community cast!

Gary Clarke Company is looking for five members of the local LGBT+ community, aged 40+, to join their exceptional cast of performers live on stage. A fantastic opportunity to make a unique contribution to this story of Section 28 and the LGBT+ community's fight for justice.

This session will be led by Gary Clarke and will be an opportunity to hear more about the role and to try out some ideas from the show. If this sounds like you then find out more and sign-up for the taster session on Monday 16 June at Oxford Playhouse, 7pm to 9.30pm.

If you’d like to register for the free taster session or have any questions, please get in touch with Laura Barber, Engagement Manager at the Gary Clarke Company.

Phone : 07999 548775

Email : engagementgcc@gmail.com