Harry
Stokes
"The man-woman of manchester"
A VICTORIAN PIONEER of human rights and Trancestory
Watch the archive scratch 1st ever recording of 'Harry Stokes: "The Man-Woman of Manchester,"
a Victorian Pioneer of Human Rights and Trancestory.
@godrag International Festival Berlin 04/09/22
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING...
"So pleased to finally see this come to fruition all these years later. Thank you to the TransAction Theatre Co”
Prof Stephen Whittle, OBE, FAcSS, Press for Change
“Joey’s energy moving from historical narrator, to character, through romance to domestic tension and Victorian legality is dynamic, moving AND funny. This work has it all!”
Greg Thorpe, GAZE LGBTQ+ Film Festival Director
“AMAZING WORK !!!”
Del LaGrace Volcano
“The Gender Joker, is Manchester’s very own ‘Female Man,’ perfectly matched to produce the true story of Harry Stokes; outed in the Guardian 200 years ago as “The Man-Woman of Manchester.”We are transported brilliantly back in time in a hybrid journey of VR, multi-media, music and theatre - proving that gender nonconforming identities have always existed.”
Holly Revell, ‘People Like Us.’
"Joey is a fantastic almighty talent, with years of hard work that have certainly paid off ! Let's get this vitally important work widely disseminated”
Piroska Cavell, Medical Director, Private Aesthetics and Wellbeing Clinic, Whitstable, Kent.
"To see our history and come to this place and feel the community is REALLY nice.”
Young Trans Person, Berlin
“PHENOMENAL"
Mo B. Dick - Drag King History, USA+ View video here
“To see Harry’s story emerge from acorn to sapling and tree of passionate lived experience is an inspiration. The importance of resilience and resistance through centuries now unearthed by standing on the shoulders of giants, is a result in a shared understanding that we all benefit from hearing the silenced voices of our ancestors.”
Specialist
This production brings to life an important hidden narrative and a vital part of working class history from the North of England. Harry Stokes is beautifully reimagined through Joey Hateley’s upbeat and heroic portrayal, which manages to balance heartbreak with tenderness and joy. The production is always entertaining and hats off to Jo Rose’s co-composed music score. Harry and Joey are resilient, full of love and are both true pioneers.
Cilla Baynes Creative-Producer/Artist/Activist, Manchester.
"Fabulous education for 14+ PSHE, GCSE and A level history, sociology, performance students, with tailor made workshops to fit every organisation; from museums, universities and beyond - live and on-line.”
Head Teacher, Northwest, UK
“Finally we get to tell OUR stories. We have been around forever - and always will be. Joey puts their heart and soul into this performance”
Mzz Kimberly. View Video here
“A wonderful enchanting, beautifully researched piece, achieving unimaginable depth, breadth and inspirational courage from 200 years ago, which still goes on today.”
Cathy Milligan, Musical Pro. Berlin
“As someone from the North of England, this was really powerful to see and hear. Growing up I didn’t know trans people existed, so knowing they’ve been there for 200 hundred years and more is really self affirming and validating - as we say in Germany, Danke Schoen.”
Queer Artist, Berlin
“Really powerful and strong, showing all the different levels and layers of how drag is not just a show or entertainment; but full of depth in real life stories that not a lot of people know about - WOW!”
Bridge Markland, Co-Founder & Artistic Director @godrag
"Joey and their contemporaries have been putting in so much work for a very long time in the margins, so it's really important to remind people there is a long history of trans people that exist.”
Elenor, Arts Curator, Berlin
REVIEWS...
Harry's story
Harry built chimneys by hand until 1860 and is proud to be part of Manchester's worker bee history. From a young age they dreamed of having their own trade, on their own terms. Women weren't allowed to run businesses and Harry knew they'd never be another man's property. The Victorians called Harry an 'epicene' - not man, not woman, but in-between. As a pioneer of equal human rights, Harry would be honoured to shake your hand in solidarity with those silenced in the shadows on the periphery. In-situ filming, live performance and digital technology will shine light on this unsung hero's journey, with ghostly shivers that transport you back in time to celebrate their iconic story.
