PRIDE IN MOTION was a 2-year, place based participation project in partnership with Gary Clarke Company, The Grand Theatre Blackpool and 10 members of Blackpool’s vibrant and historic LGBTQ+ community. Through a series of multi-layered creative workshops, the participants got up close and personal with the making of Gary Clarke Company’s critically acclaimed touring production DETENTION, exploring the impact of Section 28 on LGBT+ communities.
The project included a series of creative writing, movement and photography workshops, plus go-see theatre trips, as well as creating public responses to stimulus around DETENTION which included the co-creation of a live dance performance with members of Gary Clarke Company and a photographic exhibition with renowned photographer David Severn.
The photography exhibition launched on the Blackpool Grand Theatres main stage in front of a live audience as part of Blackpool’s LGBT+ History month in February 2025.
The Pride In Motion Exhibition has since been exhibited at Moorpark Library, The Lawrence Batley Theatre, Stage Door Cafe Bar, Viva Blackpool as part of Blackpool Rainbow Alliance and an empty shop on Blackpool’s Church Street.
To see PRIDE IN MOTION – The Exhibition please visit our GCC Digital page.
“It is with enormous pride that Blackpool Grand Theatre collaborated with the internationally renowned Gary Clarke Company on Pride in Motion. It celebrated not only the individuals involved, vibrantly and lovingly resonating through workshops, performance and an exquisite series of portraits but captured the essence of Blackpool and its long tradition of welcoming and encouraging people to ‘be who they want to be’. I have no doubt that the positive, transformational impact of Pride In Motion will be felt by the participants and those who have supported the co-creation of the work for many years to come.”
“Being involved in the project has been a very rewarding and enriching experience for me. I’ve pushed my boundaries and gone way out of my comfort zone. I’ve gained creative confidence. I now feel like anything is possible.”
“I have felt supported completely comfortable and encouraged in the space. This has helped me to feel relaxed and free, without pressure or judgement. It’s been a wonderful experience and journey of discovery and self-expression.”
Media
Credits
Produced by Gary Clarke Company
Commissioned by Blackpool Grand Theatre
Funded by Arts Council England
Artistic Direction: Gary Clarke
Executive Producer: Annabel Dunbar
Engagement and Pride in Motion Project Manager: Laura Barber
Participants:
Dean
Luke
Cosmos
Sophia
Elaine
Matty
Andy
Tiagan
Steve
Fatima
Facilitators:
Gary Clarke
Victoria Firth
David Severn
Alex Gosmore
Gavin Coward
Imogen Wright
Mayowa Oggunaikie
Jemima Brown
Photography: David Severn
Photography Assistant: Hannah Boothman
Photography Printing: John E Wright & Co
Choreographic Assistant: Alex Gosmore
Exhibition Hosts
Blackpool Grand Theatre
Lawrence Batley Theatre
Moorpark Library Blackpool
Viva Blackpool – Blackpool Rainbow Alliance