Out of the Archive, in association with Sheffield Theatres, has announced the full cast for the world premiere of Gwenda’s Garage, “the lesbian musical of the century,” which opens at Sheffield Theatres’ Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse from 15–25 October before transferring to Southwark Playhouse Borough from 30 October to 29 November.
Leading the cast are Nancy Brabin-Platt as Bev, Sia Kiwa as Terry, and Eva Scott as Carol—three pioneering women mechanics who founded the titular garage.
Brabin-Platt’s credits include As You Like It and The Tales of Christmas with Northern Broadsides, and she recently appeared as Miss Talbot in Doctor Who: Rogue opposite Ncuti Gatwa and Jonathan Groff.
Kiwa has starred in numerous West End productions including Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, The Book of Mormon, Jesus Christ Superstar, Hairspray, and The Lion King. Her screen credits include Waterloo Road, Hullraisers, and Coronation Street.
Scott, a Sheffield native, has appeared in Wonder Boy (Bristol Old Vic & UK Tour), Don’t You Know It’s Going to Be Alright by Maxine Peake, and on screen in Arthur’s Whisky, Fool Me Once, EastEnders, and Coronation Street.
Joining them are Lucy Mackay as Dipstick, the apprentice mechanic, and Georgina Coram as Feona, an ally to the garage’s founders.
All other roles are played by Liz Kitchen, who also serves as the show’s drummer and associate musical director. Kitchen’s credits include work with The RSC, Bubble Theatre, and UK tours of Fiddler on the Roof and Sister Act.
Written by Nicky Hallett, with music by Val Regan and lyrics by Regan in collaboration with Hallett, Gwenda’s Garage is based on the true story of a lesbian-run car repair workshop founded in 1985 in Sheffield. Named after racing driver Gwenda Stewart, the garage became a hub for women’s education and activism during Thatcher’s Britain.
The musical celebrates the lives of Ros Wollen (aka Roz), Annette Williams, and Ros Wall, who defied the odds in a male-dominated industry. Their story unfolds against the backdrop of Section 28 and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
Gwenda’s Garage is described as “a joyful, exuberant, queer, call to arms, fired by fun, feminism, friendship, and above all an affirming belief in the power of collective action.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here
