Photo of a hallway. Yellow text in brush strokes reads: Open Door, Queer Freedom Unlocked
A man in grey jeans and tight red t-shirt is sitting on his knees, arms hanging by his side, his head titled back. There's a briefcase lying in front of him and papers spread all across the floor.
A woman is biting a man in the arm. He drops his briefcase.
Two women are sitting next to each other. They're both looking at a seed of some kind, being held up by one of the women.

Critical Moment presents

Open Door – Rehearsed Reading

  • Show Information

On a dark February night in 1954, a young man catches the Exeter to Bristol express. He never completes his journey. What happens to him on the train changes the life of every queer person in the land…

Who knew? The fight for gay rights began in Exeter! Discover the true story of a forgotten gay activist and share your LGBTQ+ stories too, in our LGBT Q&A.

Be the first to hear Critical Moment’s compelling new play, in a prideful platform performance.

This thrilling three-hander reveals the struggle for gay rights began not in London or Liverpool or Manchester, but right here in Devon.

Ahead of a planned full production next year from Critical Moment, get a sneak preview of West Country playwright Martin Malcolm’s new play in this rehearsed reading (actors in costume, with script in hand), directed by Jon Nash.


From Critical Moment, supported by Exeter Northcott Theatre and The Peggy Ramsay Foundation.

The play contains references to suicide and to homophobia. Under-16s should be accompanied by an adult.

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