Canary

We’re the litmus test of whether a society respects human rights.
We’re the canaries in the mine.

In 1960s Liverpool lovers Tom and Billy hide in the closet, then go their separate ways.

While pits close and dole queues grow, runaways Mickey and Russell find Heaven in 1980s London.

Flash forward to today and the paparazzi are chasing a love story that could tear a family apart.

Laced with magical touches and pitch black humour, Canary** is an unflinching story about love, honesty and being gay in a changing Britain from 1960s to the present day.  Be brave enough to sing out at the top of your voice. With style.

Liverpool born multiple award-winning writer Jonathan Harvey established his reputation with Beautiful Thing, his play-turned film for which he received an Olivier Award nomination and the John Whiting Award. As a screenwriter his credits include Gimme Gimme Gimme, Coronation Street and his recent cult series Beautiful People. With Canary Jonathan returns to the theatre where he wrote his first play.

BAFTA Award-winning director Hettie Macdonald is reunited with Jonathan having directed both the original stage and film versions of Beautiful Thing. 

“I still remember the press night for his first play, Beautiful Thing, as one of the most exhilarating of my theatregoing career.” Lyn Gardner, Guardian, March 2010
 

A Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, English Touring Theatre and Hampstead Theatre co-production.

** Canary contains scenes and images of a sexual nature, strong language, and nudity.