Following a successful pilot 2 years ago, Gwenda’s Garage will be staged this autumn at Southwark Playhouse in London and The Crucible Theatre Playhouse, Sheffield. Based on oral history interviews, it is set in 1980s Sheffield and deals with the politics of the time, Thatcherism, Clause 28 and more. It celebrates activism, friendship and community and in the words of one audience member “all the songs are bangers”.

The musical is based on a true story. The real Gwenda’s Garage was founded in 1985 in Sheffield by 3 women mechanics who 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.

Gwenda’s Garage was written by Val Regan and Nicky Hallett.

There are both matinee and evening performances available between 30th October and 29th November.