Gwenda’s Garage is a bold new British musical written by Nicky Hallett and composed by Val Regan. The show is produced by Out of the Archive Theatre, in association with Sheffield Theatres, known for productions such as Standing at the Sky’s Edge and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.
An enthusiastic call to action filled with humour, heart, and original songs
Gwenda’s Garage celebrates working-class women, lesbians, and the strength of collective action.
Created by an all-lesbian team of writers and composers, this show incorporates oral histories from the founder of Gwenda’s Garage and women who forged their own space in a hostile world dominated by men.
The musical is inspired by a true story. The real Gwenda’s Garage was established in 1985 in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, by three women mechanics: Ros Wollen (also known as Roz), Annette Williams, and Ros Wall. They overcame challenges in a male-dominated industry by opening their own repair workshop in a then-struggling area of the city. The garage was named after Gwenda Stewart, a pioneering and record-breaking female racing driver. It became a centre for women’s education and activism, in addition to offering everyday car repair services.
The show roars into London at the Southwark Playhouse Borough
The story follows mechanics Bev, Carol, and Terry, along with their apprentice Dipstick and their ally Feona. They fight against Section 28 and advocate for the right to live free from prejudice, creating space for women’s and LGBTQ+ rights. Now in 2025, as Queer rights continue to be challenged across the world, this rousing new musical based on real-life events couldn’t be speeding on to the stage at a timelier moment.
Gwenda’s Garage is a joyful and exuberant queer call to action. The show is driven by fun, feminism, friendship, and, above all, an affirming belief in the power of collective action.
Gwenda’s Garage runs from 30 October to 29 November 2025 at Southwark Playhouse, Borough, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BD, United Kingdom.
