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. The show is produced by Out of the Archive Theatre in association with Sheffield Theatres (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie). 

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. 

The show roars into London at the Southwark Playhouse Borough (30 October – 29 November) after revving up at the Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse at Sheffield Theatres (15 – 25 October). Nancy Brabin-Platt, who plays Bev in the show, told us everything we needed know.

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.

For people who haven’t heard about Gwenda’s Garage yet — what’s the queerest, boldest thing you can tell them to get them booking tickets immediately?

It’s a musical about a bunch of kick ass lesbian mechanics! Throw in some awesome 1980’s fashion, some iconic songs and some truly beautiful moments of queer joy (along with a lot of laughs) – what’s not to love! 

You’re playing a working-class lesbian fighting the system with a wrench and a smile. What about this character made you think: Yep… she’s an icon?

It’s a really magical place to be as an actor, playing a character that is so torn between desire and identity. Bev herself is pretty iconic, choosing to raise not one but two foster kids single handed as a young 1980’s lesbian, talk about punk rock! 

The musical is based on real women who carved out space for themselves — literally — in 1980s Sheffield. What part of their story hits you hardest as a queer person in 2025?

Necessity is the mother of invention and the fact that the show is based on real life women who took initiative and started their own business against all odds at a time when work was scarce is really inspiring.

Thatcher’s Britain, Section 28… the stakes were life and death. How does performing that history land emotionally when queer rights are again under attack around the world?

The themes explored in the show could not be more relevant today. My character, Bev, battles with disclosure, and what that means for her identity. Bev herself is a direct example of how political point scoring can have real world consequences and I’m sure we can all relate to that right now!

This show is powered by big queer energy — roaring guitars, rebellious comedy, and women who refuse to apologise. Which moment onstage makes you feel unstoppable?

Oh doing Get Your Hands Dirty! It’s a real call to arms, an unapologetic description of political protest and non violent resistance that starts act two off with a bang!

Gwenda’s Garage comes from an all-lesbian writing and composing team. How does that change the atmosphere in the rehearsal room — and what does it mean for authenticity onstage?

The research that surrounds the show is so meticulous and I think that speaks to the genuine love the creative team has for the project. Many people involved in this production, particularly the Out of the Archive team, lived through the era in which the show is set and I think that always has a positive impact.

Working-class queer joy rarely takes centre stage in musical theatre. How does it feel to celebrate that part of our community with such loud, messy, glorious pride?

It’s absolutely fabulous. To be able to tell this story with our fabulous cast of queer women is a dream come true. I know it’s cliche but we feel like a little family and I think that comes across on stage, it’s a joy!

Sheffield to Southwark: how have northern and London audiences reacted differently? And be honest — who’s louder?

Sheffield wins on the cheering front for sure, we had two encores on opening night! But the London audiences have been equally receptive. I often wonder how many northerners are undercover in the London shows – you can often tell by who’s laughing at certain jokes!

If you could take someone from queer history out for a drink after the show, who are you choosing and what are you toasting to?

Personally it would have to be Frida Kahlo. She was just such an absolute visionary. I’d just like to see the world through her eyes for an evening! I’d let her choose the toast, I’m sure what she would come up with would be better than anything I could imagine!

Designers, activists, baby gays, your nan — who do you hope walks out of the theatre thinking: that was for me?

Personally I love to inspire young people. We did a set of shows for schools and a young woman who had seen the show used it as the momentum she needed to come out to her mother. That sort of thing is why I do this job.

Gwenda’s Garage is at Southwark Playhouse Borough until 29 November 2025. Tickets available at https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/gwendas-garage/