A Haunted Existence

Sinclair, Jeanie ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9823-7235 and Marshman, Tom (2021) A Haunted Existence. [Project]

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Abstract / Summary

Tom Marshman’s 'A Haunted Existence' is a research-led performance exploring the hidden histories of Geoffrey Patrick Williamson and other queer men who were criminalised in the UK in the 1950s. Through archival research and creative storytelling, the research shed light on LGBTQ+ experiences prior to the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1967. I worked collaboratively with Tom Marshman from 2017 to 2021, researching LGBTQ+ histories in the 1950s for the HLF and Arts Council England funded theatre project, 'A Haunted Existence'.
This connects to my other research through themes of critical historiography, gender and sexuality, and uncovering hidden histories, as well as being concerned with the history of mid-20th-century Britain.
Using archival research including data from the census and births, deaths and marriages, as well as newspaper reports, I researched the histories of Geoffrey Patrick Williamson, and the other men charged with offences following Geoffrey's confession.
I curated an exhibition on LGBTQ+ history to support the show in the police cells at The Island as part of Bristol Open Doors festival, and led Q&A sessions after the performance. In addition to providing historical research for the performance, I produced postgraduate archive workshops at Central School of Speech and Drama, Middlesex University, and and undergraduate workshops at University of Bristol. I also produced a range of workshops for the touring show, devised an education pack and gave a talk on performing the archive at EDGY, London Met’s LGBTQ+ archive conference in 2018, and at Staging Histories, University of Bristol in 2019. The results of my research, including the story of what happened to Geoffrey after he was released from prison, were also made into a song for the show by Kid Carpet.

Key Research Impacts:
- Uncovered hidden histories by exploring LGBTQ+ narratives from historical records, and increased awareness of the lived experiences of queer men in mid-20th-century Britain.
- Made academic and archival research accessible through performance, and raised awareness through post-show discussions on LGBTQ+ rights, history, and social justice.
- Combined historical research with creative practice, to make histories emotionally resonant.
- Highlighted past injustices to inform conversations on LGBTQ+ rights in the present.
- Contributed to broader discussions on historical injustice, archival silences and inclusive histories.

Item Type:	Project
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Lgbtq, Queer History, Performance, Tom Marshman
Subjects:	History, Geography & Environment Performing Arts Research Performing Arts > Theatre, Acting & Drama
Department:	Falmouth School of Art
Depositing User:	Jeanie Sinclair
Date Deposited:	01 May 2025 13:55
Last Modified:	01 May 2025 13:55
URI:	https://repository.falmouth.ac.uk/id/eprint/5990

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