Archive

Open Clasp Theatre Company was born from a deep commitment to social justice, women’s voices, and community-led storytelling.

Its founder, Catrina McHugh MBE, had spent years working alongside women in grassroots settings, hostels, prisons, and community centres, listening, learning, and witnessing lives shaped by systems that too often silenced them.

What she heard wasn’t just personal; it was political. These stories echoed one another across class, race, and circumstance. The theatre that Catrina wanted to make didn’t exist yet, so she built it. In 1998, with the support of collaborators equally fired up by the injustices they witnessed, Open Clasp was formed to create theatre that would bring unheard voices centre stage and challenge audiences to take action.

Archive

1998

January 01

After Her Death (Live Theatre)

Mothers, daughters, and the ties that shape who we become. Bonding Over Tequila Slammers, The Infamous Compere Dougie Brown And…
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2000

March 02

UK lifts ban on LGBT military service; Scotland repeals Section 28

More information about Section 28 and UK lifting ban. Section 28 – how it came and went – Equality Network…
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2001

April 13

Falling Knives and Runaround Wives (Regional tour)

ABBA, abuse & New Year storms, four women fight for a fresh start. Set Over The Hectic, Unforgiving Season Of…
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2002

April 11

Same-sex couples gain equal adoption rights

May 31

Goodwin v UK 2002

Ruling supports legal recognition of trans people. Historic ruling ends ban on gay people serving in the armed forces –…
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2003

May 20

NZ decriminalises sex work

May 20

Repeal of Section 28 in England, Wales & NI

May 20

Workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation is banned

July 18

Stand’N’Tan

Fake tans, lost rings, and real truths about life and love.

2004

May 21

Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act

May 21

Gender Recognition Act

May 21

Civil Partnership Act

The purpose of the Civil Partnership Act 2004 was to give same sex couples legal recognition for their relationships by…
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2006

January 04

Tonic

Football, fallout & a suitcase of chaos, four women on edge.

2008

January 01

A Twist of Lemon

Four women, one island, and a suitcase full of truth.

2009

January 01

First national strategy on violence against women and girls (Home Office)

Together We Can End Violence Against Women and Girls: a Strategy | Refworldh.

2010

January 05

Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 removes historic convictions for same-sex activity

Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 – Explanatory Notes Historic convictions for consensual acts to be deleted – GOV.UK

January 29

Rattle & Roll

Four women chase new beginnings, but the past won’t let go.

2011

January 05

Blue Giro

A rising star, a mother’s fear, truths unravel behind the spotlight.

2012

January 12

Swag & Tales

A bold, funny tale of care, cuts, and custard creams.

2013

January 02

Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Act passed (UK)

The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act makes the marriage of same sex couples lawful in England and Wales. 140423_M_SSC_Act_factsheet__web_version_.pdf

January 31

The Space Between Us

Sanctuary, survival, and storm collide in this powerful tale.

February 07

Songlines

A moving portrait of women’s journeys and new beginnings.

2014

January 01

Same sex marriage becomes law (UK)

Same sex marriage becomes law – GOV.UK

April 16

Love Should Never Be Abusive

A powerful film on abuse in LGBT relationships.

May 01

Key Change

Raw, funny, moving, women’s voices from behind prison walls

2015

January 01

Gender Recognition Act (Ireland)

The Gender Recognition Act 2015 allows individuals in Ireland to have their preferred gender legally recognised by the state. Under…
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January 30

Jumping Puddles

A funny, moving tale of girlhood, grief, and sisterhood.

March 04

Rattle Snake

A visceral story of survival from coercive, controlling abuse.

2016

January 01

The First Time is Free

Created by youth to spark change and raise awareness.

2017

January 01

Republic of Ireland adopts Nordic model

The Nordic model criminalises the purchase of sex, third-party facilitation of sex work, and the operation of adult services websites,…
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2018

March 01

Upskirting bill introduced

Upskirting is the practice which typically involves taking a picture under a person’s clothing without them knowing, with the intention…
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May 23

Don’t Forget the Birds

Life after prison a true story of a mother and daughter reunited.

2019

January 01

Super-complaint on police failure to protect women

Super-Complaint on Police and Domestic Abuse In 2020, a women’s organisation raised a super-complaint under section 29A of the Police…
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2020

January 01

Sugar (Film)

A probation office, a prison cell, a homeless shelter… Sugar is set in an abstract world where we meet three…
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2021

January 01

Domestic Abuse Act passed (criticised for excluding migrant women)

Despite warnings from specialist organisations and experts about the serious challenges faced by migrant women, the Domestic Abuse Bill 2021…
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2022

January 01

Police-perpetrated domestic abuse report- Super Complaint

The Centre for Women’s Justice, working with the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, submitted a super-complaint about police perpetrated domestic abuse.…
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January 12

Non-fatal strangulation becomes criminal offence

On 7 June 2022, the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 introduced the offence of strangulation or suffocation, recognising the serious harm…
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January 27

Us Too: Alisha’s Story and Work Force Development Programme