The BBC's First Homosexual

About the event

We welcome Inkbrew Production's national tour of The BBC’s First Homosexual to Loughborough University. 

In 1954, the BBC made its first ever documentary about male homosexuality. At the time, the topic was so taboo that when production on the radio programme was finished, it was promptly banned. It sat on the shelves for three years until a heavily edited version was finally broadcast in 1957. Then it was lost. 
 
All that survived was a forgotten transcript of the original recording, remarkably rediscovered after over seventy years. With special agreement from the BBC, this is now being brought to life on stage by multi-award-winning writer Dr Stephen M Hornby in a newly expanded dramatisation, directed by award-winning director Oli Hurst. 

Suitable for age 16+.  Contains sexual references and references to outdated therapies that some may find upsetting. 

Running time approx. 70 minutes. After a short break, there will be a 20-minute community forum discussing some of the themes that arise in the play. 

Inkbrew Theatre's tour is an an official collaboration with LGBT+ History Month UK. It is supported by the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council. 

LU Arts is hosting the Loughborough University performance in collaboration with Professor Marcus Collins (International Relations, Politics and History Department). This performance is part of the University's programme of events for LGBT+ History Month. 

Accessibility  

There is step-free access into the building and the theatre is located on the ground floor.  There is an accessible toilet on the ground floor corridor. 

For more information about the venue, including photographs, view the access guide for Martin Hall on AccessAble.   

If you have any specific access requirements, then please let us know via the booking form or email LUArts@lboro.ac.uk and we will do our best to accommodate them.  

Parking

Please note that visitors are required to register their vehicle and pay to park on campus. There is a flat evening rate of £1 after 6pm. There are various ways in which you can register and pay (both in advance and on arrival).

More information on visitor parking

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