Beyond the Binary: Performing Gender Then and Now is a collaborative research project led by Dr Helen Brooks at the University of Kent. As part of the project, a pop-up exhibition Pantomime: Beyond The Binary – specifically focusing on Mother Goose – is now on display at the Ledward Centre – Brighton’s LGBTQ+ community and cultural centre on Jubilee Street.
The exhibition coincides with a run of Mother Goose at Theatre Royal Brighton down the road, starring Sir Ian McKellen and John Bishop.
The project brought together students, public researchers, performance-makers, archivists and academics to undertake original research into historic music hall and pantomime archives. Through this research, the University of Kent has been uncovering and sharing new perspectives on performance and gender, both in the past and today.
You can find out more about the project HERE and hear Dr Helen Brooks, project lead, talking about the project on the following podcasts: BBC Arts and Ideas and Researching the Rainbow.
Jackie Alexander, Senior Creative Learning at Theatre Royal Brighton, said: “I’m delighted that we have had an opportunity to work with Dr Helen Brooks and the University of Kent again; these beautifully presented exhibition panels give a fascinating insight into the history of pantomime.
“Creative Learning at Theatre Royal Brighton is all about connecting with organisations and individuals in the city and it’s lovely that we’re working with the Ledward Centre to celebrate the history of pantomime and gender identity.”
The Pantomime: Beyond The Binary pop-up exhibition is currently on display at the Ledward Centre – Brighton’s LGBTQ+ community and cultural centre café on Jubilee Street.
Mother Goose, starring Sir Ian McKellen and John Bishop, plays at Theatre Royal Brighton until Sunday, December 11 before a West End run at the Duke of York’s and subsequent UK tour.