This autumn, Jonathan Harvey’s iconic play BEAUTIFUL THING is being staged at three theatres: Stratford East, Leeds Playhouse and HOME Manchester. The three theatres are looking for local LGBTQ+ people to get involved with the production by joining a Community Company and taking part in the show itself.

This 30th-anniversary production, directed by Anthony Simpson-Pike, tells the iconic coming-out and coming-of-age story of Jamie and Ste. You can read more about the show here.

Find out more below and sign up here.

WHO ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
We are looking for anyone who identifies as LGBTQIA+ and is aged 18 or over.

We are looking for people from all walks of life: people of any race, ethnicity or religion; people from any class or background, of any gender; people of all body types; disabled, neurodivergent and nondisabled people.

No previous performance experience is necessary – you just need to be enthusiastic and committed!

Ideally, you would live within easy reach of one of the three theatres:

• Stratford East, E15 1BN
• HOME Manchester, M15 4FN

WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
This is a bit of a secret as we want it to be a surprise for audiences watching the show. You will be part of the Community Company and will take part in the show itself. You will come on stage at a specific moment during the show and, as a group, you will dance to some music with the cast. Don’t worry, the dance will not be anything difficult or strenuous. It will be something simple and there will be time to rehearse to make sure you’re comfortable.

DO I NEED TO AUDITION?
No – auditions are not necessary. We are asking people to register their interest and then we will be in touch with more information.

WHEN IS IT?
We are asking participants in each area to attend two evening rehearsals, which will take place at each venue. You can then take part in as many performances as you are available for.

STRATFORD EAST
Proposed rehearsal dates: Tue 29 Aug, Sat 02 Sep and Wed 06 Sep (exact dates to be confirmed)
Performances: Fri 08 Sep – Sat 07 Oct 2023
There are 29 performances of BEAUTIFUL THING at Stratford East. Performances take place at 7.30pm with select matinees at 2.30pm. Ideally, we are looking for people to commit to taking part in at least 5 performances across the run.

HOME MANCHESTER
Proposed rehearsal dates: Mon 18 Oct and Sat 30 Oct (exact dates to be confirmed)
Performances: Tue 31 Oct – Sat 11 Nov 2023
There are 12 performances of Beautiful Thing at HOME Manchester. Performances take place at 7.30pm with select matinees at 2pm. Ideally, we are looking for people to commit to taking part in at least 4 performances across the run.

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?

• This is a voluntary project – you will not be paid for taking part.
• Refreshments will be provided.
• If you have any access requirements, travel questions or concerns, then please do contact us and we can make suitable arrangements that suit your needs on a case-by-case basis.
• We cannot guarantee that everyone who applies will be able to take part (due to the size of the stage), but we will make every effort to have as many people involved as possible!

GREAT - HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?
If you’d like to be part of the Beautiful Thing Community Company, then please register your interest by completing this form.

Once you’ve registered your interest, a member of the Stratford East team will be in touch with more information.

If you have any questions or would like more information, then please email Sean Brooks (Deputy Producer at Stratford East): sbrooks@stratfordeast.com with ‘Beautiful Thing – Community Company’ in the subject.