FAQ

What is Gateway To Heaven?

Gateway To Heaven is a play written entirely from the memories of older lesbians and gay men. It was scripted by Clare Summerskill and both its writing and the full production have been funded by the Arts Council. The play will tour around the UK during October and November 2006, performed by Clare’s own company, ARTEMIS. Diva and Gay Times magazines have sponsored the tour.

The script of Gateway to Heaven is wholly comprised of anecdotes and memories from twenty-six people interviewed by Clare Summerskill about their memories of being gay. Their stories are an eye-opener to a period in this country in which lesbians and gay men were significantly more constrained, both legally and socially, than they are today.

The play was first performed at London’s Oval House theatre during a sell-out three week run in January 2005

Where did the title come from?

The Gateways Club was one of the most famous women's bars in Kings Road, London and is featured in the film The Killing Of Sister George

Heaven opened as a gay men's club in the '80s and remains one of the largest and most popular gay dance venues in Europe.

Who gave the memories that made up the play?

Clare interviewed twenty six people about their memories of being gay. The contributors span the gamut of social and ethnic backgrounds: Black, white, Asian, and the memories include those of a working class lass from the Dagenham estate and an aristocratic man with slight pretensions of grandeur!

Who else has been involved in this project so far?

Kenric have been extremely helpful in not only supporting this play but also in providing some of the contributors. Age Concern England have also been behind the work, as well as groups such as Brighton Ourstory, Stonewall, Oval House Theatre and many interested and supportive individuals.

Where and when can I see the show?

See the Dates Page for information on each show.