Uploaded November 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
After the Act is a new 1980s-inspired musical about pride, protest… and abseiling lesbians. From 27 - 30 November at CFT, with tickets from £10.
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'Fizzing, fiery. This musical feels exceptional'
The Guardian
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.
After the Act is funny, camp and unapologetically queer but also a clear-eyed exposure of the political playbook used to enact repressive laws.
A joyously exuberant original live score by composer and musical director Frew accompanies the inspiring, sometimes heart-breaking, stories of teachers, students and activists impacted by the legislation. This is the story of how a moral panic gripped a nation – and a community decided to fight back.
Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
A Breach production commissioned by New Diorama. Co-produced by Brighton Dome and Festival, HOME, New Diorama and Warwick Arts Centre.
After the Act
Written by Ellice Stevens and Billy Barrett
Composed by Frew
Directed by Billy Barrett
Wed 27 – Sat 30 Nov
See more of CFT here:
Website: cft.link/cft
CFT YouTube: cft.link/youtube
Facebook: cft.link/facebook
Instagram: cft.link/instagram
CFT strives to bring people - artists and those who support artistic work - together in an environment where creativity can flourish. Alongside our tradition of producing great plays with great actors, CFT seeks out innovative and exciting voices in order to explore newer forms of theatre, alongside our traditional repertoire.
We are committed to supporting individuals in developing their creative, artistic, personal and social skills alongside a life-long enjoyment and appreciation of the arts. Our ambition is to promote inclusivity, accessibility and diversity, and to ensure rich opportunities for all people, regardless of age, culture and social background, to feel inspired, challenged and excited by the arts.
Situated in a cathedral city in West Sussex between the South Downs and the sea, the Festival Theatre’s bold thrust stage design makes it one of England’s most striking playhouses; our studio theatre, the Minerva Theatre, sits nearby.
After the Act is a new 1980s-inspired musical about pride, protest… and abseiling lesbians. From 27 - 30 November at CFT, with tickets from £10.
****
'Fizzing, fiery. This musical feels exceptional'
The Guardian
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.
After the Act is funny, camp and unapologetically queer but also a clear-eyed exposure of the political playbook used to enact repressive laws.
A joyously exuberant original live score by composer and musical director Frew accompanies the inspiring, sometimes heart-breaking, stories of teachers, students and activists impacted by the legislation. This is the story of how a moral panic gripped a nation – and a community decided to fight back.
Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
A Breach production commissioned by New Diorama. Co-produced by Brighton Dome and Festival, HOME, New Diorama and Warwick Arts Centre.
After the Act
Written by Ellice Stevens and Billy Barrett
Composed by Frew
Directed by Billy Barrett
Wed 27 – Sat 30 Nov
See more of CFT here:
Website: cft.link/cft
CFT YouTube: cft.link/youtube
Facebook: cft.link/facebook
Instagram: cft.link/instagram
CFT strives to bring people - artists and those who support artistic work - together in an environment where creativity can flourish. Alongside our tradition of producing great plays with great actors, CFT seeks out innovative and exciting voices in order to explore newer forms of theatre, alongside our traditional repertoire.
We are committed to supporting individuals in developing their creative, artistic, personal and social skills alongside a life-long enjoyment and appreciation of the arts. Our ambition is to promote inclusivity, accessibility and diversity, and to ensure rich opportunities for all people, regardless of age, culture and social background, to feel inspired, challenged and excited by the arts.
Situated in a cathedral city in West Sussex between the South Downs and the sea, the Festival Theatre’s bold thrust stage design makes it one of England’s most striking playhouses; our studio theatre, the Minerva Theatre, sits nearby.
