We’re currently recruiting Trustees and a Co-Chair to join our Board. Apply today, to find out more, click here.
Spotlight On: Harry Clayton-Wright
Wed 22 May 2024
Image description: A black and white photograph of Harry Clayton-Wright. They are dressed in a pinstripe suit, polka dot tie, white shirt and socks, white trainers with geometric blocks of colour and posed in a deep squat. Their right hand on their hip, the other, draped across their knee with fingers pointed in the campest manner. They have white skin, short black hair, a moustache, sunglasses and a raised eyebrow. They are posed in a studio with white colorama backdrop behind them, polystyrene sheet and stool around them.
Welcome back to our series spotlighting the exceptional Local Associate Producers of Marlborough Productions’ New Queers on the Block initiative! Today, we’re thrilled to delve into the remarkable work of Harry Clayton-Wright and his groundbreaking project, Queer Amusements, set to electrify audiences in Blackpool.
The Queer Amusements logo, by Polari Design, on a pastel rainbow background.
Harry Clayton-Wright’s reputation precedes him as a pioneer in the world of entertainment and performance art. With over seventeen years of industry experience and a wealth of international tours, Harry’s name is synonymous with innovation and boundary-pushing creativity. As an Associate Artist with Marlborough Productions since 2016, Harry’s journey has been one of continuous exploration and evolution, currently culminating in his new role as Creative Director of Queer Amusements.
Queer Amusements isn’t just another festival; it’s a bold statement of artistic freedom and expression. Set against the backdrop of Blackpool’s iconic seaside charm, it promises to be a vibrant celebration of queer culture through an eclectic mix of theatre and performance, literature, visual art, artist talks and workshops.
Harry’s portfolio is as diverse as it is impressive, spanning immersive performance art installations like The Slumber Party, to ambitious two week durational works such as The Fortnight. Harry’s debut solo theatre show Sex Education, commissioned by Marlborough Productions, won the LGBTQ award at Brighton Fringe and was presented to critical acclaim with a Total Theatre Award nomination at Summerhall, Edinburgh Festival Fringe. With each project, Harry has challenged norms and ignited conversations, earning admiration from audiences and critics alike. His impact extends beyond the stage; from founding the queer zine You Otter Know in collaboration with Polari Press, Harry has consistently used his platform to amplify marginalised voices and advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility.
Now, with Queer Amusements poised to make waves in Blackpool from April – September 2024, Harry once again finds himself at the forefront of queer cultural exploration. As part of the festival, audiences can look forward to the very best of subversive contemporary dance, drag, lip sync and ballet at Thick and Tight’s ‘best-of’ show Tits & Teeth; an autobiographical performance creation workshop with Krishna Istha (Hannah Gadsby’s Gender Agenda, Netflix); a new light commission from Blackpool’s own visual art superstar Garth Gratrix, an alternative drag pageant hosted by Funny Girls veteran Titty Kaka with an afterparty soundtracked by fierce femme DJ, dance and drag collective HerHouse, plus seaside soiree Chippy Tea with multi-award winning artist and actor Scottee, amongst other queer delights!
Commissioned by Marlborough Productions’ New Queers on the Block, Aunty Social and supported using public funding by Arts Council England, Queer Amusements promises to be a powerful celebration of creativity and community.
For more information and tickets visit: www.queeramusements.com