SECTION 28 AND ME
TOM MARSHMAN
THURS 17 SEPT 2026 | SPILL THINK TANK
Section 28 and Me is a playful, honest and heartfelt portrait, exploring queer stories on past invisibility and shame.
Section 28 was in place during 1988 - 2003, and stopped schools mentioning queer life. Join us and theatre-maker Tom Marshman as he asks: has the impact of growing up alongside this legislation made him both a show-off and an over-sharer? Digging deep into his psyche he will draw on personal reflections, past performances, and his dad's unique perspective on this period of forced silence.
Alongside his own musings, Tom asked many queer communities what their Section 28 story was. Through this gathering of voices, he celebrates the resilient and unique LGBTQIA+ community.
SPILL Artistic Director, Robin Deacon, will host an artist Q&A with Tom after his performance.
If you’re interested in this event, you might also like Alice Gale-Feeny’s GenS28: Press Up/ Fold In. Add both events to your basket on TicketSource to get a 25% discount.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Date: Thurs 17 Sept
Time: 19:30 (doors open 19:00)
This event will last approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Venue: SPILL Think Tank
Tickets: £5
Ages: 16+
Access: There is strong language, mentions of police brutality, mentions of homophobia, partial nudity and use of a smoke machine. Audio description is integrated into the show.
If you have any access requirements you would like to discuss with us, please call 01473 210169 or email boxoffice@spillfestival.com.
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Section 28 and Me’ leaves an indelible mark on the audience with its cheeky balance of the heavier themes with comical narrative and storytelling devises, ensuring the stories of those affected by the discriminatory law are not forgotten, but instead, remembered and honoured.
Plymouth Theatre Review
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Epic and intimate, national and individual, personal and political….embraces the community with nurturing and careful warmth. Oh and it’s a bit cheeky.
Peoples Republic of South Devon
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Tom Marshman has been a practicing artist for 25 years, across many mediums, including - museum audio-tours, theatre & cabaret. Actively encouraging dialogue with participants, through socially engaged processes such as ‘Tea Parties’. An overarching theme of Tom's work is that of the outsider & their story, particularly regarding the LGBTQ+ experience, stories that have been omitted through archival silence.
Produced by: Sarah Warden
Lighting Design: Ryan O'Shea
Sound Designer: Jen Bell, Adam Combes, Bernie Hodges
Director: Laura Dannequin
Outside Eye: Jen Bell, Caroline Williams
Dramaturg: Ben Buratta
Costume: Julian Smith
Tech: Ryan O'Shea
Access support: Iman Sultan West
Banner image: The Island 2024, credit: Paul Blakemore
