Review: After The Act
After the Act, A Section 28 Musical, is a powerful piece of theatre that tells the stories of real people that lived through a landmark piece of legislation that silenced a generation.
This production is not afraid to take a hard look at a subject, that at the time back in the 80s, was either taboo, used as an insult or made fun of.
After the Act, does not hold back. Using a narrative taken from first-hand interviews, news reports and parliament speeches the audience is taken on a journey through the 80s from adolescents in the classroom struggling to come to terms with their sexuality, to employees making up stories about their home life to avoid persecution. Section 28 triggered protests, parents turning against their children’s schools and heated debates in parliament, however it’s what was happening in the private lives of those affected that we see in this performance that really packs a punch!
After the Act is one of those productions that will stay with you. I was at high school in the 80s and remember well the impact this had in schools and the talk of HIV and AIDS that scared us all as teenagers, however I had no idea the real impact that this had on our LGBTQ+ community at the time. Unless you were actually living it, I don’t think anyone did…
This production is brilliantly written, with great musical numbers, a talented cast playing multiple characters and non-stop action. This story should be told far and wide and that’s exactly what multi-award-winning theatre company, Breach are doing.
After the Act, A Section 28 Musical is at the New Wolsey Theatre until 30th October. To book tickets visit www.wolseytheatre.co.uk
Review: Wendy Cook, Ipswich24 Magazine