Queer Brit award-winning writer Bren Gosling latest play MOMENT OF GRACE tells the story of the famous visit by Diana Princess of Wales to Britain’s first AIDS Unit and its impact on three people: Andrew, a patient, Jude, a nurse, and Donnie, a fireman estranged from his son. AIDS was taboo. Even being seen to work on this ward could cost you everything. Worldwide interest, news crews and a televised interview followed. To change public misconceptions, would you have risked it?
Most of us in the LGBTQ+ community in the UK at the time were somehow personally affected by the pandemic and were having to adapt to be considered outcasts and social pariahs by the rest of society and authorities. It can never ever be underestimated the sheer power of the Princess’s gesture and how it felt for the very first time we were not completely alone. This was really when she won our hearts and our unfettered love.
2022 is the 35th anniversary of Princess Diana’s opening of Broderip Ward at The Middlesex Hospital, Gosling’s play addresses topics and events that are largely forgotten, an untold part of recent LGBTQ+ history.
This one-act play based on personal testimonies was showcased to acclaim at Bloomsbury Festival 2018 and in 2020 won the NO: INTERMISSION International One-Act Play Competition. Now there is a new production at London’s Hope Theatre as part of Pride.
Tue 28th June 2022 - Sat 16th July 2022 The Hope Theatre 207 Upper Street London NI IRL
