Clare Summerskill – The Stand-Up As a Lesbian Comedienne, Clare performs an original cocktail of stand-up and comedy songs to mainly Gay and Lesbian audiences and has even been known to make straight people chuckle just a little bit!  She brings “Dyke” humour to the forefront of alternative comedy. As seen on “Richard and Judy” on C4!  “One of the funniest women in the country”        What’s On  “Uninhibited and Unorthodox”        The Independent  “A Lesbian Victoria Wood”        Radio 4, Woman’s Hour  “Engaging and Charming”        Time Out  “One of the most rip-roaring talents on the lesbian stage today”        Rainbow Network  “The discerning Dyke’s comedienne”        Gingerbeer Website

Upcoming Events Friday 17th February, 2012   7:30 PM – 9:30 pm   “Gateway To Heaven” Talk. Creating artistic projects from interviews with older LGBT people. Clare Summerskill talks about several plays and films she has produced from interviews with older LGBT people for her own theatre company and for Age Concern and the Metropolitan Police. Followed by Q & A and songs from Clare herself.   Venue: The Bath House, Gwydir Street, Cambridge CB1 2LW Email: info@encompassnetwork.org.uk Booking Essential!  Clare is currently writing a book of memories from 47 older LGBT people called Gateway To Heaven, due to be published by Tollington Press later this year. contact admin@claresummerskill.co.uk if you want to know more about the publication and launch dates.

Clare Summerskill – The Writer

As a writer Clare has worked for many years in theatre, film and radio. Her book, “We’re The Girls” is a collection of her comedy monologues, short stories and favourite song lyrics and was published in 2008. This book is beautifully illustrated by the renowned lesbian cartoonist Kate Charlesworth. Sarah Waters has said of Clare’s writing that it is: “Smart, witty, and with an eye for the sometimes poignant detail of everyday life.” 

In 2010 her play HEARING VOICES was published by Tollington Press and a new publication, edited by Clare, “GATEWAY TO HEAVEN” is due to be published soon containing memories of older lesbians and gay men. Clare has also had two short stories published and she runs comedy writing workshops for women. 

Her publications can be ordered online. For details of Clare’s theatre writing click here. Clare has also given Talks at several conferences, universities, council held events, etc about films and plays that she has researched, written and produced. These include a talk about a film she made called “Queens’ Evidence” which examines the history between the Metropolitan Police and older LGBT people in London. This was commissioned by The Met in response to the introduction of The Hate Crime Bill. Other talks Clare gives are about older LGBT history (“Gateway To Heaven”) and the writing and research of her latest play about the current Mental Health system, (“Hearing Voices”). 

• Click here for more information about Clare’s talks
• Click here to book Clare to talk at your event

Clare Summerskill – Singer/Songwriter

Clare has made three CDs of her original songs, which all include a marvellous mixture of comedic songs and ballads. Her first Album was “MAKE IT SOUND EASY,” her second released CD was “FEELS LIKE COMING HOME” and her latest is called “STILL LET ME FLY.” 

• Click here for details on how to order these releases

Clare Summerskill – Director Artemis Theatre Company

Clare is the Artistic Director of her own professional theatre company, ARTEMIS THEATRE COMPANY. The company performs to audiences who are often excluded by mainstream commercial theatre. Previous productions include two sell-out national tours of the play “GATEWAY TO HEAVEN” by Clare Summerskill, a piece based entirely on the memories of older lesbians and gay men. This play was commissioned by Age Concern to be made into a film. Visit www.gatewaytoheaven.co.uk for further details about this production. In spring 2010 Clare toured with a new play that she had written called HEARING VOICES, based entirely on testimonies from Mental Health Service Users. This play was funded by The Arts Council. Visit www.hearingvoicesplay.co.uk for further information about the play, the tour, the company, the contributors, the DVD and talks Clare gives about the show and its subject matter. 

• Click here for details about ARTEMIS Theatre Company

Clare Summerskill – Patron

Clare Summerskill  is a Patron of several organisations all of which perform outstanding work in supporting and celebrating the LGBT Community. They are: 

• LONDON GAY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (LGSO)  www.lgso.org.uk
• KENRIC  www.kenric.org
• LONDON PRIDE  www.pridelondon.org
• OXFORD PRIDE www.oxfordpride.org.uk
• EAST LONDON OUT PROJECT (ELOP) www.elop.org
• MIND OUT www.lgbtmind.com
• SEXYOUALITY www.2byou.org.uk

Mailing List

Click here to subscribe to Clare’s mailing list for news about her shows and talks.

Photo:Alison Darren