Laura Lees’ heartbreakingly beautiful tale of love and tragedy in 1980s Liverpool has tugged on the heart strings of our audience and reviewers alike.
Set in The Masquerade bar (the original one which used to be in Clayton Square), Masquerade tells the story of Tony and Mike, two best friends who embark on the struggle to find acceptance in a world hostile to the LGBT+ community.
The Masquerade bar provides a safe sanctuary and a place where they don’t have to hide.? Find out what the reviewers had to say about our brand new Studio show below.
The Reviews
Liverpool Echo
There?s a (essential) darkness to the play?s look at the struggles of gay people in the 80s. Tragedy lurks around the corner but it?s also a touching, uplifting story of friendship and love.
Masquerade will resonate with anyone who?s ever experienced the excitement (and sheer terror) of first love, evoking exactly what it?s like to be young and discovering a world outside the confines of your parents? house.
FOUR STARS, Liverpool Echo
Read the full review here.
North West End
Masquerade is a moving piece that deserved its standing ovation tonight. A real story made very believable by confident performers and clever production. This piece is simple but has layers of complexity that grows as we follow the journey and become totally immersed in everything that is ?Masquerade?.
FOUR STARS, North West End.?
Read the full review here.
Good News Liverpool
An entertaining piece of theatre that documents an important and pivotal period in the growing up of the LGBT community, as it fought its way through events that threatened to shut it back in its closet for good. This should be staple fare for anyone joining this week?s Pride in Liverpool.
FOUR STARS, Good News Liverpool
Read the full review here.
The Stage
A thought-provoking and promising debut from the Royal Court?s latest homegrown talent.
Wirral Globe
This emotion-soaked story of sexual acceptance and denial is performed by a cast of six combining famous names with new stars in the making.
Masquerade is a layered love story conveyed with real conviction.
Audience Feedback
If the reviews aren’t enough to persuade you, check out the feedback from the audience below:
I cried in the 2nd half, so touching and well written and acted by all . One of the best shows seen and what a fantastic venue downstairs.
Brilliantly acted little show, all cast were excellent, bravo!
Great show, fabulous cast, really poignant story laughed, cried and definitely raised awareness.
The show was amazing, a perfect mix of making me laugh and making me nearly cry. Such an important topic which is still relevant today.