In 1988 a piece of legislation from Thatcher’s Conservative Government devastated lives.

DETENTION, Gary Clarke Company’s sequel to 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 the iconic Test Dept, DETENTION is a bold and moving portrayal of the remarkable resilience of individuals and organisations of the time.

“Outstanding”
4 rating
The Times on COAL
“Stunning”
5 rating
The Herald on Sunday on WASTELAND

Schools

Show tickets for school pupils are £13.50 each. Find out more about School Visits here and book by calling Box Office on 0115 941 9419.