The final instalment in Gary Clarke’s masterpiece trilogy of dance theatre, Detention takes us through the shameful history of Section 28, reliving how life was like for the queer community. Capturing their fear, determination and drive that led to breakthroughs in LGBTQ+ rights as we know them today - and a sobering reminder of how far we still have to go.
Each dance vignette presents us with a different snapshot throughout the era of Section 28 - from protest marches, bullying faced by queer students, the AIDS epidemic, and the only time a Tory Party Conference has ever slayed this hard - complete with a perfect Maggie Thatcher performance from El Perry (I’m sure she’s looking up at the show now and hating every second of it). Punctuated with moments of vulnerability provided to us via heart-breaking phone calls to the Switchboard helpline - which we found out in the post show Q&A were actual transcripts from the 80s and 90s - adding to the historically poignant emotions which the show evokes.
The history and artistry go beyond just the performance itself. Alongside the dancers, the cast is also comprised of members from the local LGBTQ+ community each of whom have direct lived experience of Section 28 - you can certainly feel this extra level of nuance in their performances, and the local connection goes a long way to hammer home just how real and recent the events in the show were.
Protest banners, campaign badges and aids quilts are everywhere and quotes from politicians, statutes and ‘concerned’ parents are projected in bold above it all.
Although minimalist, the set and costume design deserve a shout out to for how much they helped sell the overall aesthetic - the outfits, like everything else in the show, brought to life the culture and community of the 80s to great effect with denim, leather and t shirts emblazoned with powerful slogans. Protest banners, campaign badges and aids quilts are everywhere and quotes from politicians, statutes and ‘concerned’ parents are projected in bold above it all.
This show is a must see for any young queer activist needing to brush up on their community’s history, and for the general public as a reminder of what we have had to fight through and are still dealing with the aftermath of to this day. I can absolutely see Detention on a drama curriculum in a future where queerphobia has finally been eradicated!
Detention was at Nottingham Playhouse on Friday 9 May 2025.
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