What's on in London: Mammy's House
A story of queer resilience set in 80s London.
Centring stories of Irish queer resilience and activism during the AIDS crisis in London during the 1980s, Mammy's House is a new play from Derek Murphy and Amy Clarke that will premiere in London at Upstairs At The Gatehouse.
While Ireland remained bound by shame, and homosexuality was a criminal offence, thousands of Irish gay men and lesbian women crossed the Irish Sea in search of freedom, where they faced a whole new, unforeseeable challenge.
"We want to create a space where the Irish diaspora and the LGBTQ+ community can see their shared history reflected with dignity, humour, and truth..." explains Derek Murphy. "We wish to establish this story in the theatrical canon so that these vital voices are never deemed disposable ever again."
“We saw a gap in our history...” adds Amy Clarke. “A ‘double exile’ of being queer and Irish in a city that wasn't always welcoming to its Irish residents. We aren't just devising a play; we're documenting a community that was almost lost to silence.”
Cast
- Mammy/Barry : played by Derek Murphy
- Niall/Nellie: played by Conor O’ Dwyer
- Mags : played by Jemma Curran
- Sally : played by Ciara Pouncett
- Ginny/Justin : played by Stephen Cheriton
- Shay : Played by Justin Ensor
Mammy's House will run at Upstairs At The Gatehouse from 1–13 September.
Gareth Johnson