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Out of the Archive, in association with Sheffield Theatres, present

Gwenda's Garage

Script by Nicky Hallett
Music by Val Regan
Lyrics by Val Regan in collaboration with Nicky Hallett
30 Oct - 29 Nov 2025

Ticket Prices:
£28 Standard | £22.50 Concessions | Previews £16 | Pioneers' Preview (30 Oct) £10

Three women in boiler suits pose with mechanic's tools

Official Trailer

In Rehearsals

Videography: Pip Films.

Dismantling the patriarchy one spark plug at a time

1980s Sheffield, Thatcher’s Britain: politics, passion, protest… where anything might happen and usually does.

In a small industrial unit, something radical is happening. Three female mechanics defy the odds by setting up their own garage, named after pioneering racing driver Gwenda Stewart. But this garage is about more than cars.

A riotous and inspiring story, based on true events, of women fighting everyday sexism, homophobia and Section 28.

Gwenda’s Garage: The Musical is an exuberant call to arms, fired by fun, feminism, friendship, and above all an affirming belief in the power of collective action.


The true story behind the show

Gwenda’s Garage was a real place: a lesbian-run car repair workshop in 1980s Sheffield. This musical draws on interviews with members and customers of Gwenda’s Garage, and with feminist campaigners, to capture the hidden stories of those who trained and empowered future generations of women in South Yorkshire and beyond.


Access Performances

Captioned Icon. A rounded square with white text reading CAP

Captioned Performance: Thursday 20 November, 7pm

British Sign Language Icon: A rounded square with an image of two hands signing

British Sign Language Interpreted (BSL) performance: Saturday 22 November, 2.30pm

Details

Theatre: The Large

Monday – Saturday: 7pm

Tuesday & Saturday: 2.30pm

Running Time: 2 hours 10 minutes including interval

No re-entry.

We strongly advise that you arrive early and take your seats in advance of the start time as there is a no latecomers policy.

This production contains flickering lights, loud noises, strong language and themes of adoption, homophobia, sexism and racism.

Recommended for ages 12+

Please contact us if you require any further information about content guidance.

The Company

Nancy Brabin Platt
Bev
Georgina Coram
Feona
Sia Kiwa
Terry
Lucy Mackay
Dipstick
Eva Scott
Carol
Liz Kitchen
Multi-roling
Val Regan
Musical Director
Liz Kitchen
Associate Musical Director
Jude Holland
Bass Guitar
Richard Body
Keyboard
Liz Kitchen
Drums
Becky Eden Green
Saxophone and Clarinet

Nicky Hallett
Script
Val Regan
Music
Val Regan in collaboration with Nicky Hallett
Lyrics
Jelena Budimir
Director and Dramaturg
Becky Graham
Costume Designer
Sarah Booth
Set Designer
Joe Dines
Sound Designer
Callum Macdonald
Lighting Designer
Jas Nisic
Lead Producer
Gabby Vautier for imPOSSIBLE Producing
Associate Producer
Tom Robbins Production
Production Management
Imogen Frances
Intimacy Consultant

How to find us

Southwark Playhouse Borough
77-85 Newington Causeway
London SE1 6BD

Closest Tube Station:
Elephant & Castle (Northern Line & Bakerloo Line)
Take the London Southbank University exit.

Click link below for map & directions:
https://w3w.co/spicy.nature.slang

Food & Drink

Opening Hours

Monday 5.30pm to 11pm
Tuesday 1.30pm to 11pm
Wednesday 5.30pm to 11pm
Thursday 5.30pm to 11pm
Friday 5.30pm to 11pm
Saturday 1.30pm to 11pm
Sundays 5pm to 11pm if we have a show on.

Menu

Our bars serve an assortment of beverages and snacks to suit all tastes from hot and cold soft drinks to beer, wine, cocktails and spirits and a whole lot more.

Click here to download and view our drinks menu

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