
Love Song To Lavender Menace
Love Song To Lavender Menace
by James Ley
directed by Ros Philips
"You want books, I'll give you books!"
Cast your mind back to 1982 - Margaret Thatcher sends the British Fleet to the Falklands, Channel 4 comes to the living room and Prince William is born, but this play has nothing to do with all that. This play is about activism, community and fighting for acceptance with words, music, humour and heart.
On Edinburgh’s Forth Street, two friends Bob and Sigrid are opening their new lesbian, gay and feminist bookshop, ‘Lavender Menace’. A trailblazing venture that will become the beating heart for Edinburgh’s LGBT+ community.
Now on the eve of the shop’s 5th birthday, sales assistants Lewis and Glen take a look back at its origins, its importance, its celebration of queer culture, how things have changed for the better (maybe) ... and straight away, the arguments begin!
Love Song to Lavender Menace is a beautifully funny and moving exploration of the love and passion it takes to make something happen and the loss that is felt when you have to let it go.
An LGBT History Month Scotland Cultural Commission. Script developed with support from Playwrights' Studio, Scotland. Thanks to the support of Edinburgh International Book Festival and Red Bridge Arts.
This play contains some swearing and sexual references.
Guest Authors
Each performance will feature a cameo from a different guest author:
12 October – Janet Smyth
13 October – Daniel Gray
14 October (Mat) – Jenny Brown
14 October (Eve) – Ian Rankin
17 October – Harry Giles
18 October – Luke Pell
19 October – Pauline Lynch
20 October – Sara Sheridan
21 October (Mat) – Denise Mina
21 October (Eve) - Richard Holloway
Venue
This production takes place in The Lyceum's Studio situated across the road from the main theatre building, audiences will be asked to gather in the foyer and be led across to the venue by a member of our Front of House team.
Cast and Credits
CAST
In alphabetical order
Pierce Reid Lewis
Matthew McVarish Glen
CREATIVE TEAM
Director Ros Philips
Designer Mamoru Iriguchi
Lighting Designer Laura Hawkins
Sound Designer Kevin Murray
Dramaturgy David Greig and Ros Philips
Stage Manager Bee George
Costume Supervisor Emily Kenyon-Roberts
Producer Annabel Cooper
Mentor Producer Alice McGrath
Video
James Ley talks about what to expect from Love Song to Lavender Menace.
Dates, Times & Prices
12 - 21 October 2017
PREVIEW, 8pm
12 October
£10 Preview tickets on sale from 11 September
EVENINGS, 8pm
Tuesday - Saturday
MATINEES 2.30pm
Saturdays
Running Time
To be confirmed during rehearsal process
- For Access performances see below
This production takes place in The Lyceum's Studio situated across the road from the main theatre building, audiences will be asked to gather in the foyer and be led across to the venue by a member of our Front of House team.
Prices
Individual Tickets
EVENINGS
Tuesday - Saturday: £15
MATINEES
Saturday: £15
CONCESSIONS
£13 concession
PREVIEWS
Unreserved seating, all tickets £10
On sale from 11 September
All prices guaranteed until 1 September 2017
*Season Ticket Holder offer*
Save £2 per ticket
This production is not included in the Season Ticket for 2017/18
This production takes place in The Lyceum's Studio situated across the road from the main theatre building, audiences will be asked to gather in the foyer and be led across to the venue by a member of our Front of House team.
Accessibility
Venue
This production takes place in The Lyceum's Studio situated across the road from the main theatre building, audiences will be asked to gather in the foyer and be led across to the venue by a member of our Front of House team.
Venue accessibility
- Lift access from street level to venue level
- Level access from main entrance to lift
- Wheelchairs spaces are available and there is an accessible toilet on the venue level, please contact Box Office to book
BSL INTERPRETED
Friday 20 October, 8pm
Press Coverage
★★★★★
"A Stunningly beautiful play"
The Reviews Hub
★★★★
"Celebratory... a thoroughly entertaining and important piece of LGBT social history."
The Stage
★★★★
"A play for our time that speaks volumes about cities and change"
The Scotsman
★★★★
"One of the most entertaining plays we’ve seen in some time... a great night out"
Just for Culture
★★★★
"uplifting, funny, beautifully written and superbly acted"
EdinburghFestival.org
★★★★
"A delightful gem of a show"
Edinburgh 49
"Sparky and good-humoured"
The Guardian