Combining dance, drama and the club sounds of the 1980s, We Raise Our Hands in the Sanctuary tells an uplifting story of the power of gay friendship and the enduring importance of queer spaces.

Disenchanted by the London gay disco scene of 1981, two best friends build their own underground club where devotees escape the racism, hardship and homophobia that stalk the city’s streets. But just as they make it big, ambition, addiction and the dawning onslaught of AIDS threaten to tear their friendship apart.

‘A vibrant exploration of nightclub culture in the 1980s… expertly integrates drama, music and dance.’ ★★★★ Sunday Express

‘Taking inspiration from an eclectic mix the decade’s idols ranging from Freddy Mercury to Boy George, the costume design works in conjunction with Ajadi’s and Willis’ performances… to set the scene in a satisfying way unattainable by traditional prop methods. The Albany’s stage gives a robust platform to each any every scenario, at one point mirroring the DJ booth with a church pulpit seamlessly and reinforcing the spiritual and therapeutic value of the sanctuary.’ 

The Prickle

‘Ingrid Hu’s colourful and multi-levelled tetris style set doubles as runways and cloakrooms, DJ booths and dance floors. No setting is improbable as we are lifted out of the realm of verisimilitude and the actors move around the space beautifully. The cabaret, semi-thrust configuration of the room evokes a club atmosphere and is sympathetic to the Albany’s slightly unusual layout.’  

Max May (Live Theatre)