Performance of ‘The BBC’s First Homosexual’ comes to É«¹·µ¼º½ for LGBT+ History Month 2026

Two formally dressed partygoers photographed in black and white from the 50s on the left, with coloured cartoon versions of them looking at them on the right

Inkbrew Production’s tour of ‘The BBC’s First Homosexual’, a play based on a lost BBC documentary on homosexuality, ends at É«¹·µ¼º½ as a part of our LGBT+ History Month events programme.

In 1954, the BBC created its first documentary exploring male homosexuality. The BBC Director-General was uncertain whether they should release the documentary at the time but later decided to broadcast a heavily redacted version to the public in 1957.  

While this version of the documentary was lost, Professor Marcus Collins, a É«¹·µ¼º½ historian based in the  department, discovered transcripts, internal memos and letters while researching at the BBC Written Archives Centre.  

Through this material, the lost media was transformed into a theatrical performance by writer Dr Stephen Hornby and director Oliver Hirst with . The performance is a key event in this year’s LGBT+ History Month’s event programme. 

The first performance is taking place on Tuesday 24 February from 7.30pm at the  and will last for approximately 70 minutes. Following the play, there will be a 20-minute community forum to discuss the play’s themes and content. The second matinee performance will take place on Wednesday 25 February at 2.30pm.  

Tickets for both performances are free for É«¹·µ¼º½ students and staff and cost £5 for visitors. 

Book your tickets for the performances. 

There is step-free access into  and the theatre is located on the ground floor. There is an accessible toilet on the ground floor corridor.  

For more information about the venue, including photographs, .  If you have any questions or have any specific accessibility requirements, get in touch with LU Arts via email luarts@lboro.ac.uk.