A butch train-wreck that works in the cereal aisle. A Christian university student with a dead mother and an engagement ring. An expectant audience. So, Nancy and Lucy must confess everything, starting where it began: sharpening pencils aged 7.
Lavender is a new play by emerging South West playwright Holly Fitzpatrick. Two queer female protagonists stand onstage, surrounded by coats and dresses, gin bottles, school bags, homework. History in the polyester fabric of thongs, dolls and skipping ropes.
This is a vibrant, outrageous, truthful sapphic which scrutinises the impact of Christian iconography on female sexuality, gender expression and autonomy. A timely exploration of how performance functions as a means of survival in hetero society.
After positive feedback from Exeter Fringe Festival, the team are developing the piece with two weeks of rehearsal at Exeter Phoenix and Theatre Royal Plymouth. This queer artist-led project includes workshops at Exeter Library for LGBTQ+ youth, a premiere performance and panel discussion at Exeter Phoenix, and performances at London VAULT Festival.
Our event will run for 1 hour and 30 minutes, with a performance and panel discussion between local queer academics, artists, and our own creatives. The discussion will explore the protection and championing of queer creative spaces in the South West.
This will be the first time that Lavender has been shown to a real audience, so we are excited for you to be a part of our journey!
Content warning –
Contains strong language, reference to eating disorders. The discussion may explore queerphobia in the South West. If you have any concerns or questions before booking, do drop us an email at playlavender@gmail.com
Price: Pay What You Decide (see booking link)
Accessibility Statement:
ACCESS TO THE BUILDING: There is a steep slope from the street leading to the main entrance and a flight of stairs up to our front door. More level access is possible by approaching from Exeter Central Library on Castle street. Step-free access to the building is available via a ramped entrance on the side of the building. The side entrance is equipped with automatic doors.
All ground floor spaces are fully accessible with a mix of level flooring and gentle ramps. Spaces on our first floor are accessible via lift or the main staircases with level floor access throughout. Unfortunately, our second floor is not accessible via lift. Access from the first floor is via one flight of stairs.
ACCESS AT EVENTS: Induction loops are in place in our box office / foyer, auditorium and cinema.
At standing events, a small seating area is available to reserve for people who have difficulty standing. Please email boxoffice@exeterphoenix.org.uk or call 01392 667080 to find out more.
PARKING: There is one accessible parking space for Blue Badge Holders. To reserve this for your visit, please call our box office team on 01392 667080 who will provide you with a parking permit upon arrival.
TOILETS: Level access to accessible toilets is available on all floors. Please ask Box Office for the radar key if needed.
We have gender neutral toilets available in Studio 74 and on the first floor.
GUIDE DOGS: Guide / Hearing / Assistance Dogs are welcome. If you wish to take your dog into the performance, please let us know when booking your ticket so that we can arrange an adjacent seat.
COMPANION TICKETS: Patrons with disabilities may also bring a companion free of charge to all Exeter Phoenix promoted events, and most externally promoted events taking place in the venue. Please call 01392 667080 or email our box office team to organise this.
RELAXED PERFORMANCES: Relaxed performances allow people with learning differences and additional needs to enjoy a show without having to worry about moving around, leaving the auditorium, or making a noise. These performances are available for a number of our long-running events, including our annual winter family show. For more information feel free to telephone Anna-Ruth on 01392 667080.