Queer writer Jonathan Larkin is a scouser  (that will have you all non-Brits reaching for a dictionary…) It’s the affectionate term given to residents of Liverpool a major city in the North West of the UK which amongst many things, is famous for giving the world the Beatles.

Larkin’s claim to fame is that he has been part of the team behind the long-running award-winning soap opera HOLLYOAKS. Its been running on Brit Tv since 1995 and what really sets it apart from other soaps is that it has been the first to cover various taboo subjects rarely seen on British television.  Rather than dumbing down to its essentially young audience, Hollyoaks, it has been responsible for creating scenarios on subjects like racism and sexuality that have added such a healthy contribution to their dialogues  Even if they have caused outrage from groups like rabid evangelical Christians.

Now Larkin is about to have his second pay produced in Liverpool’s prestigious Everyman Theatre.  CHERRY JEZEBEL is the tale of a drag queen but behind the mascara, the wigs and the six-inch stiletto heels, all that glitters isn’t gold.  The bass is pounding, the audience is cheering, and Cherry Brandy is blinking back tears. Tonight’s the night she’s finally recognized as the Queen she is, with the crown to prove it. Is this the triumphant moment she’s always dreamed of?

Larkin told Queerguru that his new hilarious and heartbreaking drama is raw rude and raucous that celebrates queerness while spilling the tea on the pain behind the polish.

Cherry Jezebel
Directed by James Baker 
EVERYMAN
Tue 8 Mar to Sat 26 Mar 2022

 

BUT WAiT ……THERE’S MORE

To complement the upcoming production of Cherry Jezebel, Homotopia & DuoVision Arts have put together a display of artwork that enhances the themes explored in Jonathan Larkin’s writing.

The exhibition will include work by Ben Youdan, Debbie Divine, Tracy Watt, Gozra Lozano, ladypat, Jonathon Beaver, Michael James O’Brien, Sophie Green, Graeme Lavery, Luke Bryant & Jason Carr.

No ticket necessary, the gallery will be open in EV2, upstairs at the Everyman during our opening hours.