A new musical inspired by the nationwide societal impacts of Section 28, After the Act continues its winter tour with a penultimate stop in Manchester- long a welcoming city boasting one of the country’s largest LGBTQ+ populations.
Ellice Stevens, Nkara Stephenson, Ericka Posadas and Zachary Willis deliver monologues from those who experienced the oppressive, anti-gay culture of the late 1980s as an ensemble, with Frew providing live music. The Conservative government’s law prevented schools and councils from “promoting” homosexuality.
While the source material is discernibly moving, its delivery is drawn out by being overly verbatim: every single “um”, “er” and false start is unnecessary. Where this doesn’t result in anecdotes losing their focus, activity from the non-speaking cast members detract from them; an account from a bisexual woman was completely lost to the other performers undertaking peculiar workouts in slow-motion. Allowing some time for speakers to be alone on-stage would have heightened the solemnity of their words.
This is a well-intentioned yet hotchpotch piece. Focus lacks as the audience is dragged back and forth through time, touching on a whole range of issues from closeted teachers to conversion therapy to trans rights with no real direction. The title itself is thrown into question as, by the interval, mostly events prior to Section 28 being introduced had only been addressed. It is very much Before the Act.
The musical element is a shortfall: mostly sung-through dialogue to a synth-intensive soundtrack results in every song sounding the same. There are no ballads or showstoppers, and it becomes difficult to process the words as the troupe regularly sing over each other.
Bethany Wells’ playful schoolroom set makes creative use of tables, benches and apparatus against a backdrop of engrossing video that depicts our queer community throughout the 80s. Outfits in the exact same shade as the pink triangle- an iconic, historical symbol of gay rights- are a thoughtful inclusion.
It is noble of After the Act to make once-silenced voices heard, but it misses the mark on making an impact. Lessons could be learned from Margaret Thatcher: Queen of Soho that provides a more comical and whimsical history lesson around this period.
After the Act continues at HOME in Manchester until 16th November with tickets available from https://homemcr.org/production/after-the-act/
Reviewer: Scot Cunningham
Reviewed: 12th November 2024
North West End UK Rating: