Assembly Festival

05 - 31 August 2026

The BBC's First Homosexual

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The BBC's First Homosexual

The BBC's First Homosexual

In 1954, the BBC made its first ever documentary about male homosexuality. At the time, the topic was so taboo that when production on the radio programme was finished, it was promptly banned. It sat on the shelves for three years until a heavily edited version was finally broadcast. A forgotten transcript survived, recently rediscovered after more than seventy years, along with papers showing the fascinating battle over its production.
 
With special agreement from the BBC, these historic documents have now been brought to life on stage in a remarkable production described as "Exceptional" (British Theatre Guide), "Theatre Perfection" (Brighton Source), "Powerful" (London Theatre Reviews) and "Revelatory" (Irish Times). Following a sell-out national tour for LGBT+ History Month in England, which received five-star reviews for its moving performances full of humanity and humour, the play toured in Dublin for the Wilde Stages Festival where it won this year's Best Writing Award. Now it makes its premiere in Scotland

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