New West Country gay play, Open Door comes to Exeter

On a dark February night in 1954, a young man catches the Exeter to Bristol express. He never completes his journey. What happens to him on the train changes the life of every queer person in the land...

Who knew? The fight for gay rights began in Exeter! Discover the true story of a forgotten gay activist and share your LGBTQ+ stories too, in our LGBT Q&A.

Be the first to hear Critical Moment's compelling new play, in a prideful platform performance.

This thrilling three-hander reveals the struggle for gay rights began not in London or Liverpool or Manchester, but right here in Devon.

Ahead of a planned full production next year from Critical Moment, get a sneak preview of West Country playwright Martin Malcolm's new play in this rehearsed reading (actors in costume, with script in hand), directed by Jon Nash.

Martin Berry, Creative Director of Exeter Northcott Theatre said: 'This play absolutely needs to be seen! This story needs to be told and it needs to be told in Exeter. We had to support it.'

Legendary human rights activist Peter Tatchell, a tireless campaigner for LGBTQ+ equality since 1967, says: 'The Peter Tatchell Foundation is very keen to support Open Door. It's an important story to share with West Country communities and we're delighted to give our backing to this vital project.'

Playwright Martin Malcolm says: 'It's a history play, but it's not about then, it's about now. And it's not about them, it's about us. Our rights are under attack across the world. We need to defend them and I'm so proud of the brave West Country men and women who showed us how to do it.'

'Martin’s passion for his community and this story is both moving and infectious,' says Sam Parker, Exeter Northcott's Artistic Development Producer. 'Particularly because of its resonance with our home city of Exeter.'

He adds: 'The South-West is home to some of the country’s most exciting artists who need the backing of key organisations here more than ever, so they can tell stories about who we are and where we’re from – stories that historically have faced barriers in reaching national audiences.'

Details:

Exeter Barnfield Theatre

Saturday 19th July, 3:30pm

Running time 1 hour, followed by a 15-minute break and a 30-minute Q&A 

Booking: https://exeternorthcott.co.uk/events/open-door-rehearsed-reading/

Tickets are free but seating is limited.

The play contains references to suicide and to homophobia. Under-16s should be accompanied by an adult.