Dance Wed 21 May 2025 - Thu 22 May 2025

DETENTION

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Promotional artwork for 'Detention' by Gary Clarke Company. The image features two bald male performers in an intense, physical embrace—one lifting the other in the air while they press their faces together. The background is a distorted, glitch-like depiction of London, with a blurred image of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and a red double-decker bus. The title 'Detention' appears in large, bold, pink text.
Three performers in formal school-style attire, mid-air in dynamic, expressive poses against a black background. Their bodies are suspended, evoking a sense of chaos or struggle, with intense facial expressions and exaggerated movement.
A performer in a suit appears in multiple overlapping positions behind a desk, with an intense, animated expression. The character wears a garland of circular badges, suggesting authority or an official role. The background is black, emphasising the figure's movements and expressions.
A solo performer in denim and casual clothing leaps into an elegant, contemporary dance pose against a black background. The figure’s outstretched limbs and dynamic posture convey movement and emotion.
Two dancers mid-air against a black background, captured in an intense and dynamic pose. The dancer on the left wears a patterned bomber jacket, a green kilt, and black boots, with one leg kicked high and arms bent dramatically. The dancer on the right wears a metallic jacket over a graphic t-shirt, blue jeans, and black boots, leaping with one leg bent and arms outstretched. Their expressive faces and powerful movements convey energy and emotion.

“A truly wonderful piece of dance-theatre: humane, politically charged, by turns funny and sad.”

The Stage (on WASTELAND)

“An absorbing, immediate slice of history rendered with the kind of emotional truth that deepens its impact as popular entertainment.”

The Times (on COAL)

Gary Clarke Company proudly presents its highly anticipated new dance theatre show, DETENTION, following the multi award-winning COAL and critically acclaimed WASTELAND.  

In 1988 a piece of legislation from Margaret Thatcher's Conservative Government devastated lives.  

DETENTION, Gary Clarke Company's new dance theatre sequel to COAL and WASTELAND, explores SECTION 28, which 'prohibited the promotion of homosexuality', forcing the LGBT+ community into a place of secrecy, fear and shame; set to a backdrop of nationwide industrial turmoil and the onslaught of AIDS. 

Lawrence Batley Theatre Associate Artist Gary Clarke uses powerful storytelling drawing on verbatim testimonies with vivid choreography performed by a company of exceptional dancers, narrator, and local cast of LGBT+ people. Featuring music tracks by iconic Test Dept, DETENTION is a bold and moving portrayal of the remarkable resilience of the individuals and organisations of the time. 

DETENTION is produced by: GARY CLARKE COMPANY LTD
Co-commissioned by: Nottingham Playhouse, Grand Theatre Blackpool, Lawrence Batley Theatre, Cast, The Place,
Midlands co-presenter: FABRIC
Gary Clarke Company is supported using public funding through Arts Council England and core funding from
John Ellerman Foundation

 

In partnership

The national LGBTQIA+ support line. If you need to discuss any of the themes raised in the show the support line is available from 10am to 10pm everyday on 0800 0119 100.

Dates

Wed 21 May 2025 - Thu 22 May 2025

Space

Main House

Tickets

£16.00 - £18.00

Duration

85 minutes

Age guidance

14+

Community Casting Call

Be part of something powerful in DETENTION, the brand-new show from Gary Clarke Company!
This bold and moving production explores the devastating impact of Section 28, and the award-winning dance theatre company are looking for 5 local LGBT+ community members, aged 40+, to join the cast.
No stage experience needed – just your lived experience and willingness to be part of something special.
Interested in finding out more?
Join a free taster session at ours on Wed 9 April from 7pm-9:30pm. The session is an informal chance to meet Gary Clarke, learn more about the show, and connect with others.
To register for the taster session and for full details, contact Gary Clarke Company’s Engagement Manager, Laura Barber, on 07999 548 775 or at engagementgcc@gmail.com
Community cast commitments for rehearsals and performances from Sun 18 – Thu 22 May.

Post show talk

Stick around after the performance on Wed 21 May to hear from the team behind DETENTION.

Season Deal

Book multiple shows in our season and save!

Book 2 shows in the season and get 15% off!*

Book 3 shows in the season and get 20% off!*

Book 5 shows in the season and get 25% off!*

Click here to see the full list of shows included in our season deal. 

*T&C's - Available on select shows only. Shows must be booked at the same time. Discount will automatically be applied. This offer is not available in retrospect.

  • Wed 21 May 2025
    7:30pm – 8:55pm
    Book
  • Thu 22 May 2025
    7:30pm – 8:55pm
    Book

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