Get a sense of the show - watch the video.
The first phase of the show
In November 2023, we performed two performances at the Sheffield Crucible Playhouse.
Our performances sold out almost immediately and we were told this is unprecedented by the Sheffield Theatres’ Box Office which continued to receive calls about availability for several weeks preceding and right up to the nights of performance. We were told that ours were ‘the hottest tickets.’
The impact of the performance – and the project itself – is evident through the audiences responses – standing ovations on both nights and hugely enthusiastic feedback.
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Alongside the production, we created an exhibition and a public workshop to memorialise Gwenda’s coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the repeal of Section 28 in England. The exhibition was seen by 130 000 people.
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The project was funded by Historic England.
Music.
Synopsis.
1980s, Thatcher’s Britain: a period of passionate political protest; feminist activism at its zaniest, where anything might happen and usually does.
Sheffield: the 'People’s Republic of South Yorkshire' and 'Lesbian Capital of the North'.
Three mechanics (Carol, Bev and Terry), unable to get work, set up their own garage in a run-down area of the city, naming it after Gwenda Stewart, a pioneering racing driver, employing an apprentice, affectionately nicknamed Dipstick.
The government imposes a new law, Section 28, preventing the ‘promotion’ of homosexuality by local authorities and schools. The mechanics campaign against it, joined by Feona, a teacher, regular Gwenda’s customer, and Newbie to both Sheffield and to feminism. There are life-changing consequences for the women and
their families.
This is a call to arms, fired by fun, friendship, above all an affirming belief in the power of collective action.
What makes it exciting?
The show celebrates the fun, energy and power of collective action as a group of lesbian mechanics fight back against Thatcher’s Clause 28.
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Gwenda's Garage was a real place. This new musical is based on interviews with some of the women involved with the garage and feminist activism. We draw on their stories, though our characters are fictional.
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According to our first audiences, all the songs are 'bangers'.
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It reminds us that We Have The Power!
Audiences.
Gwenda's Garage appeals to those who want to know more about, remember and celebrate LGBTQ+ lives and histories.
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It is a Sheffield story with a wide-ranging appeal, showcasing the vibrant communities of our Northern cities with their history of protest and activism.
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According to the Audience Agency Segments, we believe it will particularly appeal to
'Metroculturals' and 'Experience Seekers'.
Historical Relevance.
1980s in Britain.
A time of passionate political protest.
The women’s movement was vibrant. LGBTQ+ rights were under attack as the government introduced its controversial Section 28, designed to prevent the so-called ‘promotion’ of homosexuality.
Real Gwenda's Garage.
Named in honour of record-breaking racing driver Gwenda Stewart, the garage was established in 1985 in Sheffield by three women: Ros Wall, Annette Williams and
Roz Wollen, newly qualified mechanics at a time of mass unemployment, when the country was suffering under Margaret Thatcher’s Tory government.
The Audience has spoken.
"I can’t stop thinking about Gwenda’s Garage. So much energy, talent and joy...It was all the things you hope for in theatre but don’t so often get.
The script just sparkled, and I look forward to hearing about its onward, banner-waving march."
"So beautifully rooted in Sheffield yet with a universal and accessible message."
"It's probably one of my favourite musicals now. All the songs were bangers.
The themes, the history of it, the characters, the lesbian representation was phenomenal."
"Everyone left the theatre with a sense of solidarity.
Inspired to take a more active part in my future and learn more about our history"