Originally performed in 2024's The Camden Roar Festival, the ★★★★★ smash-hit GRILLS returns, available to stream as part of Every Body Festival.
"Grills is a new word I learned yesterday. It's a substitute for girls and I much prefer it."
Step back in time to the 80s, where a vibrant community blossomed at the Camden Lesbian Centre & Black Lesbian Group (CLCBLG). Despite Thatcher’s discriminating regime and public protests, this committed group of lesbians came together to protest, party, and create space to exist as their true selves. In the early 90s, funding became unsustainable and the CLCBLG - a safe haven for so many - had to close its doors.
But why have we never heard of it?!
For starters, the centre’s archives were moved over 400 miles away to Glasgow…
Self-proclaimed queer nerds Vall, Bee, Jaz and Mo delve into the archives of the Camden Lesbian Centre & Black Lesbian Group and take you back to the 80s - to double denim, landlines, and Sony Walkmans.
A textured show, weaving the past & the present, the analogue & the digital, and the joys & frustrations of queer community. GRILLS confronts the parallels of the 80s and 2024: the rise of fascism, the policing of LGBTQIA+ rights, and the continuous closing of essential community spaces.
GRILLS asks:
How do we progress if we struggle to connect with our elders and can’t learn from our past?
Can we imagine a future where LGBTQIA+ & Global Majority voices are truly seen & heard?
And what really happened at ‘Camden Dykes Get Your Claws Out’?
Digital run
One of the aims of Camden People's Theatre is to keep the arts as affordable and accessible as possible. It was really important to us to be able to offer an online version of the show for those who are vulnerable, isolating and/or not comfortable in busy venues. Thanks to funding from the City Bridge Foundation, we have been able to make a streaming version possible, including captions. Videography by ChewBoy Productions.
Booking your digital run ticket
When booking, please disregard the date/time. After you've purchased your ticket, you will have access to the stream on demand at any time until 12 July. Please select the 'Print at Home' ticket option when booking. Your ticket containing the link will be emailed to you from foh@cptheatre.co.uk a few minutes after your confirmation email arrives. If you have not received it, please check your spam folder.
Credits
Created by: Chloe Christian & Olivia Dowd
Co-written by: Afshan D'Souza-Lodhi
Originally devised with: Ishmael Kirby, Nikki Durrant, India Jean-Jaques & Jaye Bullen
Performed by Ishmael Kirby, India Jean-Jaques, Jaye Bullen & Olivia Dowd
Director: Chloe Christian
Set and Costume: Cara Evans
Lighting Design: Cheng Keng
Sound Design: Eden Aeo
Videography: ChewBoy Productions
Producer: Regina Agard-Brathwaite
Production Manager: Jasmin Meara-Wall
Stage Manager: Dan Roach-Williams
Dramatherapist: Nina Mdwaba
Creative Consultant: Lehni Lamide Davies
GRILLS is a Mirrorball and Camden People's Theatre co-production, supported by Camden Council and Art's Council England. It was the inaugural recipient of the 2022 Camden NoW! Commission from CPT and Old Diorama Arts Centre (funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation). Extant Enhance 2023-26 is funded by Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Arts Council England.
Commissioned by CPT
Outside the Box commissions
