EMMERSON & WARD

Riot Act is a solo verbatim show, created entirely, word for word, out of interviews with three key-players in the history of the LGBTQ+ rights movement; Michael Anthony Nozzi; a survivor of the Stonewall Riots, Lavina Co-op; an alternative ‘70s drag artist and Paul Burston; a ‘90s London AIDS activist.

This critically acclaimed audience favourite is a breathtaking, rip-roaring, white-knuckle ride through six decades of queer history, taking the audience right up to the present day.

Provocative, tender, truthful, funny, political and personal, these are stories of queerness, sexuality, activism, addiction, family, childhood, love, sex, drag, community, togetherness, conflict, identity, youth, ageing, loss, fierce queens and a Hollywood diva.

Riot Act is a celebration of queer activism across the decades, pulling no punches, hilarious and inspiring….it’s a riot.

Written and Performed by Alexis Gregory Directed by Rikki Beadle-Blair An Emmerson & Ward Productions and Alexis Gregory Production

★★★★★ “Powerful, deeply moving and politically rousing” – The Spy In The Stalls

★★★★★ “This is a wonderful history lesson told with a zest and zeal and should be relished. Emotionally charged and honest theatre.” – Boyz

★★★★★ “A stunning and deeply emotional performance … A deeply profound production, deftly directed by Rikki Beadle-Blair” – remotegoat.com

★★★★★ “This is a first-rate show, that will make you laugh and cry.” – LondonTheatre1

★★★★★ “The rage is palpable, as is the humour. And it’s a moving experience” – Queer Review

★★★★★ “Alexis Gregory’s delivery of each nuanced monologue is energised with subtlety and an intense and overwhelming passion. If this is your sort of thing – grab a ticket” – London Box Office

★★★★★ “Carefully considered and beautifully composed” – London Theatre Reviews

★★★★ “Verbatim theatre at its best…Gregory; a powerful presence, shows fierce awareness of his theatrical and political context” – The Stage

★★★★ “Funny as well as moving, honest and truthful … theatre at its simplest and at its best” – British Theatre Guide

★★★★ “An eye opening punch to the gut” – Broadway World

★★★★ “Powerful and deeply moving” – Theatre Weekly

★★★★ “Alexis Gregory has woven various themes together beautifully in his compelling performance in RIOT ACT … A masterclass … Absolutely riveting” – Queer Guru

★★★★ “These are stories that need to be heard, delivered with power that demands we listen” – The Reviews Hub

★★★★ “A compelling account of gay rights activism… what makes ‘Riot Act’ really work is Alexis Gregory’s utterly captivating delivery” – Gay Times

★★★★ “A gut-wrenching conversation of forgotten truths, a devastating and hearty piece of verbatim theatre, causing a standing ovation and a chorus of thank yous” – London Student

★★★★ “A powerful and important piece of verbatim theatre that captures the joys, fears and losses of the last five decades of LGBT history – Alexis Gregory gives a masterful performance” – BritishTheatre.com

TICKET OFFERS

Save £6 when you book any 3 theatre/dance shows

Explore more of our theatre and performance programme, and enjoy money off your tickets! Save £6 when you book for three shows from our performance programme. Book any three theatre or dance shows and your £6 discount will be applied automatically.

ABOUT EMMERSON & WARD

Emmerson & Ward Productions was formed in 2018 with creative producer Max Emmerson and writer-performer Rob Ward. Their work champions the LGBTQ+ creative community and tells their stories on stage. E&W have produced Rob Ward’s productions ‘Gypsy Queen’ (UK and International Tour 2019) and ‘The MP, Aunty Mandy & Me’ (Leicester Curve, 2020) as well as Alexis Gregory’s ‘Riot Act’ (UK National Tour 2019-20) and ‘Sex/Crime’ (Soho Theatre, 2020). Currently Emmerson & Ward are developing ‘Sappho’ by Daneka Etchells, an exploration of modern-day biphobia, and ‘Conversations’ by Rob Ward, a digital online project with Leicester Curve about issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community in 2021.

VENUE: STUDIO 1, EXETER PHOENIX

*Subject to a £1.50 ticketing system charge. We don’t charge this to make a profit. Find out more >>