LGBT+ Stories And History Celebrated At Ryde Event This February

StoneCrabs Theatre is marking LGBT+ History Month with a special programme of events in Ryde, celebrating LGBT+ stories, people and places from across the Isle of Wight.

As its Out On An Island project enters its eighth year, the charity is hosting activities at Department in Ryde throughout February.

The project began in 2018 exploring the Island’s hidden LGBT+ history and has since involved more than 100 volunteers, resulting in an award-winning book, exhibitions and an LGBT+ Memorial Quilt.

Throughout the month, visitors to Department can view the Faces and Places map along the ground floor corridor.

Designed by Spike Spondike, the map highlights LGBT+ trails and figures from across the Island, from historical names such as Virginia Woolf to contemporary voices including Robin Ford and Karl Love.

A relaxed celebration event will take place on Thursday 12 February in The Barn, Department’s theatre space.

The evening will feature exclusive short films based on StoneCrabs’ sell-out Faces + Places performed walks, translated for screen by local filmmaker Sam Lapham.

The films include stories set in Newport, Freshwater and Ryde, brought to life by local performers.

The event will also highlight a new StoneCrabs project focusing on LGBT+ working-class history in Ryde, supported by Historic England’s Everyday Heritage programme.

The team is keen to hear from anyone with memories of LGBT+ social life in the town.

StoneCrabs Theatre is a registered charity, and tickets for the event are available on a donation basis, with advance booking required.