Join us for an unflinching, live panel discussion that bridges the gap between Unity’s 1930s ‘Workers’ Theatre’ roots and Liverpool’s contemporary creative scene.
In an era where the ‘class ceiling’ remains a challenging barrier in the arts, how do creatives and radical makers keep momentum? We bring together five Liverpool working-class artists to discuss the politics of the stage, the power of heritage, and the future of working-class storytelling.
Following our headline panel discussion, we’re offering a space for working-class creatives to test new ideas, political rants, or works in progress.
Followed by Radical Scratch Open Mic 5-6.30pm
Line Up
GUSH written by Jess Gough
@Gurfeh
Gush is a dark, satirical exploration of beauty, bodily autonomy, and the manosphere. The play centres on C and P, two housemates whose relationship is disrupted when P returns from holiday to discover C transformed by a disturbing new beauty practice.
As this underground ritual gains traction, it begins to reshape not only bodies, but minds. Evolving into a collective consciousness. Suddenly, women can call for help without even calling. But as the trend spreads, so does something else. Gush spirals into a sharp, unsettling exploration of Western beauty standards, menstrual shame, and the dangerous mindset of misogyny.
What’s the cost of beauty now?
Jess Gough – Writer/P
Amber King – C
Herringbone John and the Kipper Doctors
Finding Peace and Quiet
Jenny Roche
@jennyroche46
A short play: The paths of two men meet as they escape in their different ways from the council estate where they live. The setting is based, loosely, on Oglet Shore on the banks of the River Mersey.
Taking The Piss.
Me & Rhi & Friends.
@moonriceartist and @crip._.keeper
What do you do when the government, the UK Supreme Court, the Equality & Human Rights Commission, the media, and an international bestselling author believe you should not only be segregated but forced to cross your legs and/or tie a knot in it? Well, when you’re trans+/gender nonconforming, you learn from your ancestors and have a singsong. It’s just common sense!
Transgender Kids in Anfield
Mel Mackarel
I’ve lived in Liverpool the majority of my life but lived in Yorkshire in the 80s and Eastern United States in the early 90s. I was a English and SEN teacher. I taught in Wuxi, China in 2019. Now I do rowing, singing and writing and help 4 hours a week in Oxfam . I’m 66 years old.
