Semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story BI-TOPIA, which explores LGBTQ+, male identity, discrimination, trauma and mental health, will tour from February 2-July 17.
Written and performed by Mancunian theatre-maker, comedian, and producer Sam Danson, the 70-minute show (suitable for 14s and over) premiered at Waterside Arts in Sale, Manchester, last year to enthusiastic reviews. When Danson was growing up his perceptions of manhood and ideal male identity were influenced by the generations of men in his family who served in the military and war movies. Years later as a young adult, he suffered a brutal homophobic attack. Danson said: “This show has been over four years in the making, I wanted to write something that challenges the audience and is also energetic and entertaining.
"BI-TOPIA shares not just my story, but the experience of so many other LGBTQ+ people who have struggled and experienced homophobia. This story isn’t unique, it’s relatable, and that’s a huge problem in our society."
See it at Waterside Plaza, Sale (February 2-3); Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield (February 7); Darlington Hippodrome (February 13); Storyhouse Chester (February 16); Crewe Lyceum (February 20); Blackpool Grand Theatre (February 22-23); Hull Truck Theatre (March 1-2); Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley, Leeds (March 6); LIVE Theatre, Newcastle (March 8-9); Theatre By The Lake, Keswick (June 12) and Oldham Library Theatre (July 17).
More info and tickets here