SAFE, a powerful new verbatim theatre piece featuring Riley Carter Millington, who as Kyle Slater in EastEnders was the first transgender actor to play a long-running trans role in a British soap, will be the first production at London Theatre Workshop in its new home in Leadenhall Market.
A recent study found that 25% of homeless and at risk young people identify as LGBT. SAFE, by Alexis Gregory, directed by Robert Chevara, explores the so-far untold stories of our cities’ homeless and at risk LGBT youth.
Via the Albert Kennedy Trust, a charity that helps and supports homeless and at risk LGBT youth, playwright Alexis Gregory interviewed some of these young people. The result is this new theatre piece interweaving their verbatim testimonies with live music and poetry, putting centre stage these stories from a diverse community. These are stories of sexuality, gender, childhood, family, identity, religion, race, addiction and survival and an exploration of what it means to feel truly safe in today’s world.
The full cast is: Riley Carter Millington, Laura Jayne Ayres, Michael Fatogun, Kit Redstone.
Riley Carter Millington is currently still on screen in EastEnders. SAFE will be his first role following his departure from the series, which was announced by the BBC this week. Last year, Riley went straight to number 1 on The Independent’s annual ‘Rainbow List’, which recognises and celebrates those who had paved the way for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) equality. The judging panel said that his playing Kyle “could help trans people – even save lives – and represents a landmark cultural moment”. Riley is currently nominated for ‘Best Newcomer’ in the TV Choice awards & ‘Inspirational role model of the year’ in the European Diversity Awards.
SAFE sold out its previous run at Soho Theatre, staged as part of the Pride in London Arts Festival.
Live Music
Tori Allen Martin (October 17, 19, 21);
Rudi Douglas (October 18, 20, 22)
Poetry written by Yrsa Daley Ward.
London Theatre Workshop
Monday 17 – Saturday 22 October
http://londontheatreworkshop.co.uk
