london, United Kingdom – Writer and Actor Jack Holden is capturing industry attention with his upcoming television drama, Revolting. The project, featured on the 2025 Brit List, recounts the audacious 1971 disruption orchestrated by the Gay Liberation Front at the Nationwide Festival of Light, a gathering of conservative and anti-homosexuality activists.
The Inspiration Behind ‘Revolting’
Table of Contents
- 1. The Inspiration Behind ‘Revolting’
- 2. A Broader Portrait of LGBTQ+ Activism
- 3. Influences and Mentorship
- 4. Holden’s Diverse Background
- 5. Project Details and future Plans
- 6. The Evolution of LGBTQ+ Rights in the UK
- 7. Frequently Asked Questions about ‘Revolting’
- 8. How did Section 28 specifically impact LGBTQ+ individuals and community resources in 1980s Britain?
- 9. exploring Gay Liberation Through jack Holden’s Provocative Drama “Revolting”
- 10. The Historical Context: AIDS Crisis & Section 28
- 11. Revolting as a Direct Response to Erasure
- 12. The Evolution of Gay Liberation: From Stonewall to the 1980s
- 13. Section 28’s Lasting impact & Contemporary Relevance
- 14. the Role of Theatre in Social Change
- 15. Resources & Further Exploration
Holden first encountered the story while researching a book penned by Lisa Power, a prominent figure in British LGBTQ+ rights campaigning. The account detailed an incredibly bold act of defiance: activists infiltrated a formal event, disguising themselves as members of the clergy and other conservative figures. One activist even impersonated a nun.
The ensuing chaos involved the deployment of air horns, a shower of pages from adult magazines, and the release of white mice into the audience. The ‘nun’ notably performed a provocative dance while shouting colorful language. Holden was immediately struck by the story’s potential for a thrilling and unconventional narrative. “It struck me this would be a great basis for an choice heist action-thriller,” he stated.
A Broader Portrait of LGBTQ+ Activism
Revolting aims to present not just this single incident, but a wider view of LGBTQ+ activism spanning two decades. It will follow the real-life experiences of Lisa Power, shedding light on a period when speaking out was far riskier than it is today. Holden emphasizes that public acknowledgement and organized events like Pride parades where nonexistent in the 1970s, making acts of direct action especially brave.
Holden is consciously avoiding a “deep period” aesthetic, aiming for a story that speaks to global themes of humanity. He has been collaborating with Rachel Harvey, formerly of Mam Tor development, to refine the scripts.
Influences and Mentorship
Holden draws inspiration from critically acclaimed series like It’s a Sin, the channel 4 and HBO Max drama chronicling the AIDS/HIV crisis in London. He has also benefited from the guidance of Russell T. Davies, the writer of It’s a Sin, whom he met during a channel 4 Screenwriting course. Davies has offered mentorship, reviewing Holden’s work and providing valuable feedback.
Holden’s Diverse Background
holden’s path to screenwriting is notably diverse.He began his career as an actor, landing the lead role in the West End production of War horse immediately after graduating from the Bristol Old Vic Theater School. He has continued to work on stage alongside screen appearances in BBC’s Traitors and Ten Percent. His own play, Cruise, was nominated for an olivier Award, and Kenrex: A True Crime Thriller has garnered critical praise.
Beyond acting and writing, Holden has also directed a short film, Safari, produced by My Accomplice. He is currently adapting Alan Hollinghurst’s Booker Prize-winning novel, The Line of Beauty, for the Almeida Theatre. He is also developing a political thriller with world Productions, the company behind the hit series Line of Duty.
Project Details and future Plans
The script for Revolting is already well-developed, having benefited from feedback from numerous industry professionals. holden describes the tone as a blend of humor and social commentary, reminiscent of Russell T. Davies’ work. With 15 nominations on the Brit List, the project is attracting meaningful interest from production companies. holden is seeking partners to help bring his vision to life, envisioning a series where each episode culminates in a captivating set piece.
| Project | Status | Genre |
|---|---|---|
| Revolting | In Development | Historical Drama/Thriller |
| Man Made | In Production | Documentary/music |
| The Line of Beauty | Pre-Production | Stage adaptation/Drama |
The Evolution of LGBTQ+ Rights in the UK
The story of the 1971 protest underscores a pivotal,yet often overlooked,chapter in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the United Kingdom. While the 1967 Sexual Offences Act partially decriminalized homosexual acts between consenting adults, significant discrimination remained prevalent. The formation of the Gay Liberation Front in 1970 marked a shift towards more visible and proactive activism.
According to stonewall, a leading LGBTQ+ rights charity in the UK, significant progress has been made in recent decades, including the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2014. However, challenges remain, including ongoing discrimination and hate crimes. The latest report from the Home Office in 2024 shows a 30% increase in reported hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals in the past year.
Frequently Asked Questions about ‘Revolting’
- What is ‘Revolting’ about? ‘Revolting’ is a television drama that centers around a daring act of protest undertaken by the Gay Liberation Front in 1971.
- who is Jack Holden? Jack Holden is a Writer-actor, known for his work on stage and screen and his critically acclaimed play cruise.
- What inspired Jack Holden to write ‘Revolting’? Holden was inspired by an account of the 1971 protest he read in a book by LGBTQ+ rights activist Lisa Power.
- what genre is ‘Revolting’? Holden describes ‘Revolting’ as an alternative heist action-thriller with a strong social message.
- Who is Russell T. davies and what is his involvement? russell T. Davies, the writer of It’s a sin, is a mentor to Holden and has provided feedback on the script for ‘Revolting’.
- what is the Brit List? The Brit List is a ranking of the best unproduced UK film and TV projects, launched in 2007.
- What other projects is Jack Holden currently working on? Holden is adapting Alan Hollinghurst’s The Line of Beauty for the stage and developing a political thriller with World Productions.
What aspects of this story do you find most compelling? Do you think untold stories like this can contribute to a greater understanding of LGBTQ+ history?
How did Section 28 specifically impact LGBTQ+ individuals and community resources in 1980s Britain?
exploring Gay Liberation Through jack Holden’s Provocative Drama “Revolting”
The Historical Context: AIDS Crisis & Section 28
Jack Holden’s Revolting, currently captivating audiences, isn’t simply a biographical play; it’s a visceral, unflinching exploration of gay liberation in the face of unimaginable adversity. To truly understand its power, we must contextualize it within the socio-political landscape of 1980s Britain. The play centers around Holden’s experiences as a young gay man navigating London during the burgeoning AIDS epidemic and the oppressive implementation of Section 28.
Section 28, a legislative act passed in 1988, prohibited the “promotion of homosexuality” by local authorities. This had a devastating impact, silencing LGBTQ+ voices, hindering vital public health initiatives, and fostering a climate of fear and discrimination. The HIV/AIDS crisis, concurrently unfolding, was deliberately mismanaged by the government, fueled by moral panic and homophobia.This created a perfect storm of vulnerability for the gay community.
Revolting as a Direct Response to Erasure
Holden’s play, adapted from his own diaries, serves as a powerful act of reclamation. It’s a direct response to the historical erasure of queer lives during this period. Revolting doesn’t shy away from the raw realities of the time: the casual cruelty, the pervasive stigma, the heartbreaking loss.
* Personal narratives: The play prioritizes personal stories, offering intimate glimpses into the lives of Holden’s friends and lovers. This humanizes the victims of the AIDS crisis, moving beyond statistics to showcase individual experiences of joy, love, and resilience.
* Political Protest: Revolting vividly depicts the burgeoning gay rights movement and the activism that arose in response to the crisis. From protests organized by ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) to grassroots community organizing, the play highlights the fight for visibility and equality.
* Challenging Heteronormativity: Holden’s work actively challenges dominant societal norms and expectations surrounding sexuality. The play celebrates queer joy and desire, refusing to apologize for existing.
The Evolution of Gay Liberation: From Stonewall to the 1980s
Understanding Revolting requires a broader understanding of the history of gay liberation. The movement’s roots can be traced back to the Stonewall Riots of 1969, a watershed moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Though, the 1980s presented unique challenges.
- early activism (Pre-AIDS): The initial focus was on achieving legal equality and challenging discriminatory laws.
- The AIDS Crisis as a Catalyst: The AIDS epidemic dramatically shifted the focus, forcing the community to fight for its very survival. this led to increased political mobilization and a demand for healthcare access.
- Intersectionality & Expanding Demands: The 1980s also saw a growing awareness of intersectionality within the LGBTQ+ community, recognizing the unique challenges faced by peopel of color, transgender individuals, and those living with disabilities.
Section 28’s Lasting impact & Contemporary Relevance
The repeal of Section 28 in 2003 was a notable victory, but its legacy continues to resonate today. The law created a chilling effect on LGBTQ+ education and portrayal, contributing to ongoing stigma and discrimination.
* Mental Health: Studies have shown a correlation between experiences of discrimination and increased rates of mental health issues within the LGBTQ+ community.
* Educational Gaps: The lack of inclusive education during the Section 28 era left many young people without access to accurate information about LGBTQ+ identities and issues.
* Ongoing Prejudice: Despite progress, LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face prejudice and discrimination in various aspects of life, including employment, housing, and healthcare.
Revolting serves as a potent reminder of the battles fought and the sacrifices made by previous generations. It underscores the importance of continued vigilance and advocacy in the face of ongoing challenges to LGBTQ+ rights. The play’s enduring power lies in its ability to connect the past to the present, reminding us that the fight for equality is far from over.
Theatre has historically been a powerful tool for social change, providing a platform for marginalized voices and challenging dominant narratives. revolting exemplifies this tradition.
* Empathy & Understanding: By immersing audiences in the lived experiences of Holden and his community, the play fosters empathy and understanding.
* Sparking Dialog: Revolting encourages critical reflection and dialogue about issues of sexuality, identity, and social justice.
* Preserving History: The play serves as a vital historical document, preserving the stories of those who were lost and ensuring that thier experiences are not forgotten.
Resources & Further Exploration
* ACT UP: https://www.actupny.org/
* Stonewall: https://www.stonewall.org.uk/
* National AIDS Trust: [https://wwwnationalaidsrust[https://wwwnationalaidsrust
