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Public Indecency: Queer Art in Britain

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An exploration of 100 years of queer life in Britain seen through the lens of the arts.

Simon Callow presents an exploration of 100 years of queer life in Britain seen through the lens of the arts.

Public Indecency: Queer Art in Britain: Series 1

Public Indecency: Queer Art in Britain: Series 1: The Theatrical Type

24/07/2017

The Theatrical Type

Series 1

BBC Radio 4 - Public Indecency: Queer Art in Britain, Series 1, The Theatrical Type

Simon Callow charts the history of queer theatre and performance in Britain.

Simon Callow celebrates the work of the writers and performers who explored sexuality, gender and difference in the theatre at a time when practising homosexuality was illegal.

A three part series marking the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of sex between men through the Sexual Offences Act of 1967. Simon Callow presents an exploration of 100 years of queer life in Britain seen through the lens of the arts. 

The series has been produced in partnership with Tate Britain and their landmark exhibition Queer British Art 1861-1967. Simon's guide throughout the series is exhibition curator Clare Barlow. 

In this second episode, Simon is joined by the novelist Sarah Waters, the director and playwright Neil Bartlett, and leading queer historians, biographers and critics.
He heads into the heart of London's Theatreland to reveal that, despite homosexuality being illegal, in the century leading up to the Sexual Offences Act, performers in theatres and music halls across Britain endlessly and inventively explored sexuality, gender and difference. Simon's passion for British theatre shines through as he demonstrates the cunning ways playwrights smuggled queer characters onto the stage, evading the censors by using coded stage directions that hinted to directors that a character was supposed to be gay. 

We also celebrate the music hall, a riotous space where queer performers could be far more bold - embodying queerness whilst attracting huge audiences across the UK. Simon also pays a trip to the Parliamentary Archives to leaf through an extraordinary document that tells the story of the secret queer language of Polari which flourished in Britain's theatres in the 19th century. 

Artists and performers featured include Oscar Wilde, Noel Coward, Douglas Byng, Danny La Rue and Vesta Tilley.

Presenter: Simon Callow
Producer: Max O'Brien
A TBI Media production for BBC Radio 4.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Simon Callow presents an exploration of 100 years of queer life in Britain.

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Public Indecency: Queer Art in Britain

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The Theatrical Type

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