Bold and joyous queer shows set to premiere at Pride in Trafford festival this May

Waterside Arts & Creative Industries Trafford present two brand new  shows at Waterside in Sale, Trafford; A Northern Tr*nny Hootenanny and  I Was Dancing in the Lesbian Bar. 

Once Upon a Time in the Wild, Wild North West… Inspired by Hunter’s personal journey of transition, drag, and self-acceptance, A Northern Tr*nny  Hootenanny follows the tale of a milkmaid who dares to wish upon a star. Audiences can expect  Disney songs like they’ve never heard them before, campy country-western charm, outrageous puns,  dastardly villains, and a hero’s journey like no other.

Drawing from the rich history of trans men living authentically in the Wild West, as well as Hunter’s  deep love for musical theatre, this new production is a rallying cry for trans visibility and reclamation  in today’s political and cultural landscape. 

From early preview performances in 2024, audience members have said “One of the few pieces of  media about being trans, which is accessible for those without lived experience and entertaining for  those who have” as well as “Pure camp, country, comedy” and “A story that needs to be told. Now  more than ever.” 

Hunter says: “I have been producing queer work for cabaret in my local community for over a decade but have finally managed to follow my dreams and break into musical theatre with the help of Waterside Arts and Creative Industries Trafford. 

My story is about trans hope and joy, internal struggle and the differences in humanity that make us beautiful. Since working with them I have received additional funding allowing me to take the show to Edinburgh Fringe festival and tour the UK. I feel so incredibly proud to be able to share my story and cannot thank Waterside Arts enough for all the love and support they have shown.”

A second world premiere, developed with Waterside Arts and Creative Industries Trafford; I Was Dancing in the Lesbian Bar by Holly Redford Jones, joins the Pride in Trafford line up this May. 

Step inside Holly Redford-Jones’ award-winning Lesbian Bar! 

This bold new show is a dance through tales of unsung, unsanitised lesbian debauchery. A sonic love letter to sapphic institutions of a bye gone era, the show celebrates queer women of the past, present and future.

Taking a cue from the iconic Jonathan Richman song, Redford-Jones asks the biggest questions:  Where have all the Lesbian Bars gone? How do you know when you’re in one? And how did  Chesterfield’s Crooked Spire become so… crooked? 

A sharing of an excerpt of the show was performed earlier in the year proved enormously popular  with audiences and critics alike; 5 stars and “An absolute treat… the next best thing out of  Chesterfield” from JADAR, 4 stars and “Social critique remains sharp as well as facetious throughout” – from North West End and “Caused my wife to snort with laughter” from Canal St Media. 

Holly says “I’m a huge Jonathan Richman fan — and a fan of lesbians, of course! I’ve been a professional musician for the last ten years and the song ‘I Was Dancing in the Lesbian Bar’ has long been an encore at gigs. I love that it’s such a powerful song about dancing in a space where you can be yourself and how when I sing the song, it can create such a space. The idea for this show came from performing the song at a bar in my hometown, Chesterfield, and watching the space transform into a temporary Lesbian Bar where all are welcome. I am extremely grateful for Waterside Arts support to bring the Lesbian Bar to Sale as part of Pride in Trafford, as well as Underbelly at Edinburgh Fringe 2025!” 

These magical, hilarious, and deeply moving musical experiences promise to bring joy, laughter, and  an unforgettable night of queer storytelling. 

Festival Curator Darren Adams said “Waterside and Creative industries Trafford have a stella track  record of building meaningful connections with artists and theatre-makers, to enable them to succeed  and thrive, ensuring that bold new work is created here in Trafford, is shared on a national stage. Both  Hunter and Holly have powerful stories to share, which both challenge and entertain audiences, whilst  celebrating Queer joy.” 

Pride in Trafford is a vibrant celebration of queer arts, creativity and community across the borough  and runs from Tue 13 – Sun 18 May ‘25. The seventh annual Pride in Trafford festival expands the 

Home of the Cosgrove Hall Films Archive | Winner of Northern Soul Awards 2018: Venue of the Year Waterside, 1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, Trafford, M33 7ZF | +44 (0)161 912 5616 | hello@watersidearts.org | watersidearts.org 3 of 8 celebration beyond Sale to include events in Altrincham, making it our most exciting and inclusive  year yet. From powerful performances and artistic showcases to moments of reflection and fun-filled  gatherings, Pride in Trafford offers a dynamic space where everyone can come together to celebrate  love, identity, and diversity. 

For tickets and more information, visit prideintrafford.org