Switchboard, the national  LGBTQIA+ support line, was launched in March 1974 to provide help and information to London’s gay community. In the 1980s, Switchboard was the leading source of information on HIV/AIDS.

The Switchboard Project at The Hope Theatre follows lesbians Lou (Fatima Abdullahi), Joan (Megan Keaveny), Nana (Hannah Balogun) and Jackie (Áine McNamara) as they man the helpline. Set in 1985 at the height of the AIDS crisis the production is based on real phone calls and interviews.

The dedicated volunteers provide calming words and discuss anything related to sexuality and gender identity whilst struggling with their own personal lives. Newby Jackie is always late and over eager but matures over the length of the production as she cares for gay friends who are ill.

Joan campaigns for women’s refuge charities whilst dealing with the misogyny of male colleagues who are reluctant to deal with lesbian issues. Meanwhile, Nana conceals the reason for her long absence, her struggle with her faith and loss of her job.

Supervisor Lou tries to hold it all together while battling phone outages, understaffing, and vanishing pens. From the bizarre to the serious they deal with the calls with compassion. Whether it’s advising on the symptoms of AIDS and safe sex “On me – not in me”, heavy breathers or discussing what time Heaven shuts and how to remove a hedgehog from the kitchen.

This cast is a highly talented group of women. The characters are strong and well-rounded whether acting individually or together and Molly Byrne’s skilful direction ensures this is a polished, fast-paced production.

The Switchboard Project is a seriously good piece of writing, full of humour and emotional moments throughout. 

Entertaining and thought-provoking

5 stars.

https://www.thehopetheatre.com/

Cast

Jackie Áine McNamara

Joan Megan Keaveny 

Nana Hannah Balogun 

Lou Fatima Abdullahi 

Creatives

Director Molly Byrne

Sound Designer Arianna Muñoz 

Lighting Designer Sameer Aggarwal

Associate Director Cassia Thakkar

Costume & Production Designer Ella Muir

Dramaturg Beth Wilson 

Producer Ella Pound

Set Designer  Daniel Southwell

PR Matthew Parker