Waterside Arts is producing its first show in a move to spotlight and champion original homegrown narratives that define the region.
This new vision supports new writing, expanding the theatrical canon of what stories appear on stages across the UK.
‘Clothes Swap’ is written by Liam Mansfield and is set in a queer youth club. It was inspired by a real clothes swap at an LGBTQ+ young persons’ charity in Trafford, where emerging playwright Mansfield volunteered.
‘Clothes Swap’ is directed by Nathaniel J Hall (First Time, It’s a Sin C4) and produced by Waterside Arts. It was originally developed by Green Carnation Theatre
follows a group of queer young people navigating identity, belonging and the beautiful chaos of becoming themselves. Set in October 2025 under the shadow of growing anti-trans and anti-queer rhetoric, alongside the burden of austerity, the story captures and spotlights the joy of young people and the connections they make in a queer youth club.
At its heart is their fiercely protective but emotionally drained youth leader, alongside an outsider whose suspicion threatens the fragile safety of the group. When the future of the youth group looks to be in jeopardy, they come together to try to navigate a path to resolution and find new members.
The story and themes give a voice to the lives of queer young people. Written with honesty, humour, and deep compassion, the play explores what it means to be seen, supported and held by community. ‘Clothes Swap’ celebrates the vital importance of spaces where queer young people can exist without explanation, while confronting the tensions that arise when those spaces are misunderstood or challenged.
Liam Mansfield’s first play, it highlights the fun and struggles of being a queer teenager, exploring the nuances of gender and how society responds and reacts.
Liam Mansfield, playwright, said: “I wanted to capture the joy of a clothes swap, where young people can try out new styles and explore identities in a way that might not be possible at home. The play shares these experiences of young queer people – highlighting the chaos, fun, and struggles of being a teenager. Just like in life, the characters are a little messy at times, nobody is perfect, and they’re all trying to find out how and where they fit in.”
Helping to shape the story so it felt authentic and local, Mansfield worked with young people in Trafford and Knowsley. They had a significant impact on the development of the story, with workshops in collaboration with Rainbow Reflections and the Proud Trust. Working closely with the original creative team, they helped refine the story, language, and nuances, ensuring it authentically brings the experiences of LGBTQ+ young people to life.
Nathaniel J Hall, Director, said: “I cut my teeth directing youth theatre shows, and Liam’s play mirrors my experiences watching young people’s joy as they discover their weird and wonderful tribe – the script is full of so much delicious energy and creative possibilities, I jumped at the chance to direct it! Clothing is the main metaphor and message; queer people often code-switch using clothes, toning down for safety or glamming up to express gender euphoria and joy – I’m definitely hoping to see plenty of fabulous queer fashion on display! The play is full of humour and heart too, sensitively exploring the impact of rising queer-phobia on LGBTQ+ lives, so it’s educating and destigmatising important issues as well as entertaining people. I hope queer audiences feel seen and feel joy, and I hope others gain empathy and insight.”
Clothes Swap’ is at Waterside from Wed 3 Jun to Sat 6 Jun. To find out more and book, visitwatersidearts.org/clothesswap
