Gwenda's Garage Review (Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse, Sheffield)

16 October 2025 I 19:00 I Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse, Sheffield

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Through the 21st century, Sheffield has been host to history-defining new musicals, from Standing At The Sky's Edge to Everybody's Talking About Jamie. Seeking to follow in their footsteps, Gwenda's Garage is a turbulent call to arms for feminism framed through a real, lesbian-run garage in Thatcher's Britain. True to the magic of the Steel City, Jelena Budimir's production showcases a lot of promise, taking viewers on both a warmly entertaining and socially aware journey.

Met with resistance by the male-dominated auto industry, a team of female mechanics set up a car repair-shop in Sheffield's working class district. Written following a series of interviews with the garage's members, customers and feminist campaigners, Nicky Hallett's script touches on many vital conversations on homophobia, sexism and the Section 28 clause. Set over four decades ago into British history, fearmongering and government rhetorics feel all the more relevant. It must be cautious of over-educating its audience at times, but there is a lot to admire in a progressive story.

Photography Credit: Chris Saunders

The soundtrack is the beating heart to Gwenda's Garage, with Val Regan's music delivering earworms aplenty! Staged in thrust, a visible live band sound divine in such an intimate space. Even percussionist Liz Kitchen joins the action in scene-stealing cameos! Between heartfelt ballads and grungy protests, it really has it all with charming vocal arrangements and harmonies. The Bigots' Chorus is an Act One highlight, with multiple audience members singing the chorus into the interval!

Leading an empowered and diverse cast of six female performers, Eva Scott's Carol fronts the garage with a mature stage presence, soaring with gusto and confidence in the material. In a half biographical, half imagined account, Sarah Booth's set design is hot-pink all over, a colour synonymous with female activism. The empty shell of a car is slowly constructed across the duration of the show, as a further allegory of community and coming together.

Photography Credit: Chris Saunders

With a touching plotline on lesbian motherhood, Nancy Brabin-Platt performs the role of Bev with emotional precision, vocally outstanding duetting with Sia Kiwa's (Terry) tender role in Meet Me On The Bridge. Brabin-Platt delivers a knockout line in Act Two, fuelled by frustration and fear. However, it is immediately followed by a transition characterised by an ambient, almost elevator-style jingle. Sometimes these transitions are subtly effective in passing time, although the gentle-ness can diminish the impact of the scene prior.

Completing the cast are apprentice Dipstick (Lucy Mackay) and straight ally Feona (Georgina Coram), both adept in their comedic skills as they venture into rebellion and finding their social stance. Feona's contrast is supported by Becky Graham's costume design, first entering the space in a dress as a product of her husband's ideals.

Following sold-out R&D workshops in 2023, Gwenda's Garage is a safe yet impactful tale on female prejudice before the turn of the century. It drives audiences to excitement with infectious musical numbers, helming a contemporary aesthetic with fiery political satire. Soon to transfer to London's Southwark Playhouse, there is a lot to love for Sheffield audiences and those beyond. I hope to see more from Budimir's production, because this musical has wheels!!

Sheffield Tickets & Info: https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/gwendas-garage-2025

London Tickets & Info: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/gwendas-garage/