“The lesbian musical of the century” – Gwenda’s Garage is set to make sparks at London’s Southwark Playhouse
1980s Sheffield, Thatcher’s Britain: politics, passion, protest … where anything might happen and usually does.
GWENDA’S GARAGE is a bold new British musical written by Nicky Hallett, with music by musician and composer Val Regan.
An exuberant call to arms filled with humour, heart, and original songs, GWENDA’S GARAGE celebrates working-class women, lesbians, and the power of collective action.
Created by an all-lesbian team of writers and composers, the show draws on oral histories from the founders of GWENDA’S GARAGE, and women who fought to make space for themselves in a hostile world.
The musical is based on a true story. The real Gwenda’s Garage was founded in 1985 in Sheffield, South Yorkshire by three women mechanics: Ros Wollen (aka Roz), Annette Williams, and Ros Wall. They defied the odds in a male-dominated field, by establishing their own repair workshop in what was then a run-down area of the city. Named after Gwenda Stewart, a pioneering, record-breaking racing driver, the garage became a hub for women’s education and activism alongside the day-to-day of car repairs.
The story follows mechanics, Bev, Carol and Terry, their apprentice Dipstick, and ally Feona, as they fight Section 28 and advocate the right to live free from prejudice, creating space for women and LGBTQ+ rights. In 2025, as Queer rights continue to be challenged across the world, this rousing new musical based on real life events couldn’t be speeding on to stage at a timelier moment.
GWENDA’S GARAGE – a joyful, exuberant, queer, call to arms, fired by fun, feminism, friendship, and above all an affirming belief in the power of collective action.
Join these unstoppable women as they dismantle the patriarchy one spark plug at a time.
Who is in the Creative Team for GWENDA’S GARAGE?
Director and Dramaturg (Jelena Budimir), Costume Designer (Becky Graham), Set Designer (Sarah Booth), Sound Designer (Joe Dines).
Who is in the Cast of GWENDA’S GARAGE?
Bev (Nancy Brabin-Platt), Carol (Eva Scott), Terry (Sia Kiwa), Dipstick (Lucy Mackay), Feona (Georgina Coram). Other roles played by Liz Kitchen.
Who is in the Band of GWENDA’S GARAGE?
Musical Director (Val Regan), Associate Musical Director (Liz Kitchen), Bass Guitar (Jude Holland), Keyboard (Richard Body), Drums (Liz Kitchen), Sax and Clarinet (Becky Eden Green).
Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse, Sheffield Theatres
Wed 15 – Sat 25 Oct 2025
7pm (2.15pm Saturday Matinees)
Running Time: 2 hours (including interval)
Ticket Price: £22 – £25
Age Guidance: 12+
Southwark Playhouse, Borough (The Large)
Thurs 30 October – Sat 29 November 2025
7pm (2.30pm Tuesday and Saturday Matinees)
Running Time: 2 hours (including interval)
Ticket Price: £10 – £28 Standard
Age Guidance: 12+
