Manchester theatre company releases 4 monologues celebrating diverse LGBTQ+ lives

A sister remembers a fateful family game of UNO and an argument that can’t be taken back; a new father has the first day of school nerves; a woman must prove the thing she has had to hide to save herself; a prodigal son returns home for a family wedding, ready to reveal their true self.

Green Carnation Company (The Pride, Hope Mill Theatre (2018); My Night with Reg, The Lowry (2020)) explore topics of HIV, fatherhood, asylum seekers, gender and faith in four monologues by emerging LGBTQ+ writers that shine a light on diverse LGBTQ+ experiences. Working with film-makers Bloody Bandit Production and local performers, Green Carnation have brought these stories to life through four powerful and moving short films.

Inspired by Mark Gatiss’ 2017 Queers monologue series, commemorating 50 years since the decriminalisation of homosexuality, Green Carnation Company’s monologue commissions celebrate contemporary queer experiences and showcases new LGBTQ+ writing talent. The films aim to move people. raise awareness and stimulate conversation around sensitive subjects.

Queer All About It was funded by Arts Council England as part of their emergency Covid fund to allow cultural organisations to continue creating work during lockdown and the closure of theatres, museums and galleries. Using the funding Green Carnation Company commissioned four emerging LGBTQ+ writers to create four monologues in response to different topics affecting LGBTQ+ communities and individuals. The writers received script development and dramaturgical support before their scripts were produced as short films, working with

“We are overwhelmingly grateful to Arts Council England for funding our digital project. It has not only allowed our company to continue creating work and engaging audiences throughout lockdown, but it has also allowed us to commission and develop four fantastic LGBTQ+ emerging writers and produce a set of films we hope will inspire hope and stimulate discussion.” Dan Jarvis, Green Carnation Company co-artistic director.

Accompanying the four monologue films are a series of talking head interviews with LGBTQ+ individuals and charity representatives discussing each of the topics and themes within the monologues. They present a range of perspectives and experiences and show the impact these issues have on LGBTQ+ people, and the impact of the charities supporting them. Contributing charities include Manchester’s George House Trust, Naz & Matt Foundation, UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group, One Body One Faith and New Family Social.

As a legacy of the project, Green Carnation Company have published the four monologues so that they can be used by anyone for non-commercial purposes including auditions, drama exercises, monologue nights, learning materials and more. https://greencarnationcompany.com/