Gwenda’s Garage – dismantling the patriarchy one spark plug at a time
After The Act was a brilliant piece of theatre (beginning at the Albany before transferring to the Royal Court), examining the Section 28 law that was introduced by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in 1988.
This law banned schools from teaching about same sex relationships and was in place for fifteen years until it was finally overturned in 2003.
Gwenda’s Garage (named after Gwenda Stewart, a record-breaking racing driver in the early 20th century) tells the story from a female perspective. A group of lesbian mechanics in Sheffield, who opened a garage – simply because no one would employ a woman to do a mans job.
But this was not just a place to fix your car. It was a place for change. A fight for women’s rights – where women campaigned to be treated fairly and equally.
The story also covers the issue of fostering and adoption in the LGBT community and how people were denied the opportunity to care for young people, because of their sexuality.
A show doesn’t need to be perfect. Off-West End theatre exists for shows to develop and grow into the best possible version of themselves.
Gwenda’s Garage has some catchy Victoria Wood-esq songs, strong performances from the cast and an important story being told. But it feels unfinished.
I was hoping for an exciting twist in the story such as the character of Feona (Georgina Coram) being an undercover spy, sent by the government to bring them down but despite being only just over two hours long (including an interval), I did start to get bored towards the end.
Gwenda’s Garage needs some tinkering but under the bonnet is real potential.
★★★
West End Wilma
GWENDA’S GARAGE is playing at Southwark Playhouse Borough until 29 November
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