I listened to Before The Act – amazing piece of work. I had no idea it was that bad, the quotes from the Tories are incredible! I found it quite emotional to be honest, that Act had such an effect on my teen years and I didn’t know it at the time!

Neil via email

Episode 1 uses news and radio clips from the time to explore the homophobic backdrop to a number of public protests in 1988 including lesbians abseiling into parliament and storming the 6 O’Clock News live on the BBC. Sharing backstage gossip and production secrets in interviews are: Before The Act producer Trina Cornwell, members of The Hot Doris Band – Mandy Short, Katrina Buchanan, Sayan Kent and Karen Parker from Parker & Klein – all performers on the stage that night.

Episode 2. As the curtain rises at the Piccadilly Theatre on 5th June 1988 we hear recollections from opening act The Hot Doris Band and Before The Act producer Trina Cornwell. Featuring rare audio clips recorded on the night not only of The Hot Doris Band but also Sheila Hancock, Ian McKellen and Hugh Quarshie, Peggy Ashcroft, Pam St Clement with soap stars from Eastenders and Brookside and a rousing song from Imelda Staunton. 

Great use of archive audio combined with contemporary interview to set the scene in the 80s. Really well written and structured …

Videosmithery via itunes

Episode 3 starts in the bar over interval drinks with Lisa Power who was one of the founding members of Stonewall. As we take our seats for the second half we are treated to the first ever live performance by The Pet Shop Boys and hear from Stephen Fry. Alan Bennett makes a witty coming out speech before Joan Plowright, Juliet Stevenson, Alan Bates, Francesca Annis and Miranda Richardson take to the stage. The curtain falls and we fast forward to the repeal of Section 28 in 2003.

The memories! What a wonderful podcast. It was so moving too and lovely to hear those voices from the past. What an extraordinary time we lived through. These things DID change the world.

CameronFee via itunes