A forgotten chapter of LGBTQ+ history is taking centre stage in a powerful new play in Taunton next month.
Theatregoers will have the chance to experience a rehearsed reading of Open Door at the Brewhouse Theatre in Taunton on Saturday, September 20.
The performance will begin at 8pm, with actors in costume performing with scripts in hand, and tickets are available at tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk/events/critical-moment-open-door.
The play, a 75-minute production by West Country playwright Martin Malcolm and directed by Jon Nash, tells the story of a pivotal but little-known moment in the fight for gay rights that began on a train journey in 1954.
A young man travelling from Exeter to Bristol has his journey cut short in Taunton, setting off a chain of events that would change the lives of queer people across the country.
Mr Malcolm said: "It's a history play, but it's not about then, it's about now.
"And it's not about them, it's about us.
"Our rights are under attack across the world.
"We need to defend them and I'm so proud of the brave West Country men and women who showed us how to do it."
A spokesman for Taunton Town Council said: "We’re proud to back Open Door, a powerful new community play supported through our grants programme.
"It offers a timely and thought-provoking addition to the vibrant cultural activity happening in Taunton this season."
The play is presented by Critical Moment and serves as a prelude to Taunton Together, the town’s upcoming festival of community and culture.
Following the performance, audience members are invited to stay for a 20-minute Q&A session and are encouraged to share their own LGBTQ+ stories.
Martin Berry, creative director of Exeter Northcott Theatre, said: "This play absolutely needs to be seen.
"This story needs to be told and it needs to be told in the West.
"We had to support it."
Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell also lent his support to the project.
He said: "The Peter Tatchell Foundation is very keen to support Open Door.
"It's an important story to share with West Country communities and we're delighted to give our backing to this vital project."
Sam Parker, artistic development producer at Exeter Northcott, said: "Martin’s passion for his community and this story is both moving and infectious, particularly because of its resonance with local people."
He added: "The South West is home to some of the country’s most exciting artists who more than ever need the backing of key organisations here, so they can tell stories about who we are and where we’re from – stories that historically have faced barriers in reaching national audiences."
Tickets for the performance are free but must be booked in advance due to limited seating.
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