- Tickets: Standard £16 | Pay more £19 | Pay less £13
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Details
How did Beth go from a childhood dreaming of The Wizard of Oz, to cringey Cruel Intentions-obsessed adolescence? From proudly identifying as a teenage lesbian, to discovering that boys are also appealing?
Beth’s real teenage diary is brought to life in vivid hilarity in Hasbian: a “simultaneously relatable and educational… unique insight on growing up queer in the 90s” (★★★★★ – A Young-ish Perspective). Original animations, inspired by teen magazines, feature an all-star 00’s fantasy cast (in cut-out form), as Beth’s BFFs and first crushes are re-imagined as “played by” the likes of Lindsay Lohan, Natasha Lyonne and Ashton Kutcher.
Dripping in equal measures with heartfelt earnestness, sharp irony, and humour that bubbles up in the place between youthful confidence and pubescent self-doubt, Hasbian delves behind the rollercoaster of teenage life, into the reality of growing up queer in Brighton (the UK’s Gay Capital) under Section 28 (1988-2003 law, prohibiting teaching “homosexuality as a pretended family relationship”).
Why See This Show?
From the creators of Queer Diary – the night where Queer grown-ups read their REAL teenage diaries on stage.
Set to a soundtrack of y2k pop classics (B*Witched, Destiny’s Child, S Club 7), and indie angst anthems (Placebo, Weezer, Garbage) Hasbian fills audiences with buzzy nostalgia, while exposing prejudice in the most liberal of cities.
The production features original projections designed by Edalia Day, and all performances have Creative Captioning (integrated in the projections), and artistically integrated Audio Description (created in consultation with Quiplash UK).
What the Critics Say:
“Simultaneously relatable and educational – Watson strikes an expert balance between including the cringeworthy teenage experience we all remember, and creating a unique insight into growing up queer in the 90’s… a story for our times” ★★★★★ – A Young(ish) Perspective
“Skillfully integrates both audio description and surtitles… It’s a bit ‘Clarissa Explains It All’, if Clarissa was talking about having gay sex at sleepovers and seeing their Geography teacher in hot pants at Brighton Pride.” ★★★★ – To Do List
“An incredibly funny, charismatic performer, who absolutely embraces the silliness of the piece, whilst bringing earnest truth throughout.” ★★★★ – West End With Me
Press for Queer Diary:
“A space to look back on our formative years with laughter and kindness… Often funny, sometimes moving and heart-warming, always entertaining” ★★★★★ Reviews Hub
“If a Queer Diary event was held on the Moon, the most anti-capitalist queers would be befriending Bezos in hopes of a rocket ride.” – DIVA Magazine
Social Media Handles
Facebook:@QueerDiaryCIC
Instagram: @hasbianshow
Twitter: @hasbianshow
TikTok: @hasbianqueerdiary
Parking & Access
Parking
There are a number of Blue Badge parking spaces nearby on Beaumont Street, and more on New Inn Hall Street and St Giles.
The closest car park is Gloucester Green Car Park, accessed via Gloucester Street.
If you have any questions or concerns, the City Council’s Access Officer can be reached at 01865 249811.
Getting here
We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint, but we need your help. Use ecoway, our sustainable travel planner, to see the most eco-friendly options for your journey to Old Fire Station, and plan a bespoke and flexible route. ecoway is easy to use and you’ll be kept up to date with any disruption or changes to your journey plan.
Car parks in Oxford Blue Badge information Public transport in OxfordAccess
Disabled patrons are eligible for one free companion ticket with their booking. To book this, contact the ticket office: tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk or 01865 263990.
There are two entrances to the Old Fire Station: 40 George Street via the foyer, and on Gloucester Green via the shop. Both are step-free. If you are coming to a show, we ask that you use the George Street entrance, as the Gloucester Green entrance is not always open.
Events in the Theatre
There is level entry to the foyer of the Old Fire Station, and step-free access to the main Theatre (where most shows take place).
If you are a wheelchair user attending a sit-down show, space will be reserved for you. If you are attending a standing gig, please contact us (call the ticket office on 01865 263990 or e-mail tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk) and we will talk with you about your needs.
Events in the Studio
There is level entry into the foyer of the Old Fire Station, and step-free access to the Studio.
Events in the Loft
There are six steps leading up to the Loft space, with no lift. If you would like to discuss this to find out more, please get in touch.
The Gallery
There is step-free access to the Gallery – level entry through the George Street entrance, and via lift from the Gloucester Green entrance.
Facilities
Accessible toilet
There is an accessible toilet on the ground floor, accessible via platform lift. Other toilets are in the basement (accessible via lift).
Hearing assistance system
The Theatre is equipped with a hearing assistance system. If you have any questions about using it, please e-mail us at tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk or phone 01865 263980.
Assistance dogs
All types of assistance and guide dogs are welcome at the Old Fire Station. It would be great if you could let us know in advance if you will be bringing a working dog to any performances – just e-mail tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk.
Strobe lighting
We will warn visitors on the website and in the foyer of the venue if a performance is going to contain strobe lighting. If lighting affects you, and you have any concerns, please call the ticket office on 01865 263990 or e-mail tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk.
Chairs in the theatre
Our chairs are a standard dining-chair size, measuring 40cm deep by 37cm wide, with a metal frame. Some have arms, and some do not. They are all joined together at the sides, to form rows. If this is likely to pose a problem for you, please email tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk and we can discuss how to make your visit more comfortable.