Songbook

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Music has an incredible power to evoke emotions and memories, creating a tapestry of experiences for the listener. In our ongoing efforts to capture the rich stories of the LGBTQ+ community, we are using music as a catalyst for individuals to share their memories with us. We are also inviting participants to express how they would share their story with their community – whether through a sing-along, a monologue, or even a comedic routine. With Songbook we are re-imagining the “jukebox musical” as a community event; devised, developed and performed by the participants working with artists and performers to create a unique portrait of SE London’s LGBTQ+ community.

To achieve this we have started collecting stories associated with pieces of music and songs, from The Smiths to Katy Perry, OMD to Culture Club. Using these reference points we will be charting a people’s history of the LGBTQ+ community and working together to present it to the public as part of the forthcoming Thames Pride Arts Festival. Songbook, the show will be a unique one-off performance taking place at The Albany in Deptford on Saturday 14th September, 2024.

Everyone is welcome to join us and share your memories of your first gay disco, or favourite Pride celebration, your coming out story, a night out with friends, the music you associate with the good times, or which transports you to a memorable time and place. These songs will be used as the basis for a very special performance of Songbook which we will develop during the summer through a programme of fun and informal workshops.

  • Ever wanted to become a drag King or Queen?
  • Fancy a singalong?
  • Think you can bust a move? Or perform a short stand-up comedy routine?
  • Or maybe you want to shine behind the scenes: design sets, make costumes or help to shape the story?

Now is your chance!

We are running a programme of artist-led workshops teaching participants new skills which they can bring to the stage in September! Join us on this exciting journey and learn new skills, make new friends and help to tell the story of the LGBTQ+ community in a joyous celebration of music and community. You do not need any experience to take part. You do not even need to take to the stage as participants can be involved behind the scenes or with writing.

The programme of workshops run until September 2024 and will feature workshops in a wide range of creative disciplines. We will be sharing details of each new workshop as it is added to the program. All workshops will be FREE and we will create a safe and friendly environment where participants will feel free and confident to share their stories. Workshops will be taking place in the Greenwich, Lewisham and Southwark boroughs of London as part of the Thames Pride Arts Festival. Come and join performers like Oedipussi Rex, King Frankie Sinatra, Umami Monae and Alotta Nerve and help create this unique Songbook!

To take part all you need to do is book into one of these FREE workshops