Outstageus returns for 2021

OutStageUs is heading to Hope Mill Theatre in Ancoats for a four-night run celebrating brand new LGBTQ+ writing. The event, which launched in 2017, had to be cancelled last year due to the pandemic, but the team at Hive North worked with writers online to put together an electrifying night of new work.

Running from 29 September – 2 October, OutStageUs will present 12 brand new short theatre pieces from writers up and down the country. After an open submission process, Hive North have selected scripts by new and established writers, exploring exciting and relevant LGBTQ+ themes.

This year's event will present Greedy by Lynsey Cullen, a piece exploring bi-erasure within today's society. There will be a historical look at Manchester and the Pride movement through Elis Shotton's Swirling, and Diane Online by Sarah Hayton explores age and relationships within the LGBTQ+ community.

Box Braids by Manchester-based spoken-word artist Maz Hedgehog will delve into the deep, intimate relationships between Black queer people and how they can so often escape easy definition. A performer in OutStageUs 2019, Billie Hindle, has written Billie's Vision, their take on jealousy, envy and how the trans experience is unique for everybody.

OutStageUs will also present Be A Man by Roo Pilkington, Brute by Charlie Tidmas, Negative Space by Priyanka Jha, Not Out Out by Alex Joynes, The T-Word by Dian Cathal, Two Floors by Luke Abbott and Watermelon by Nathan Hardisty.

Speaking about the event, Hive North's Artistic Director, Adam Zane said:

"After receiving over 250 submissions during the first lockdown, the quality of scripts was incredibly high. The selected twelve tell exceptional stories unique to the LGBTQ+ community. After many setbacks and delays during the past 12 months, we're thrilled to be able to share their stories with audiences finally.

We're excited to be returning to Hope Mill Theatre, the place where OutStageUs was born. It's going to be an extraordinary event which celebrates our community." he concluded.

OutStageUs is supported by Arts Council England and DWF Law LLP

Published: 28-Jul-2021: (6282)