Jarman: The Story of Derek Jarman

Derek Jarman: film-maker, painter, gardener at Prospect Cottage, gay rights activist, writer…his influence remains as strong as it was on the day he died in 1994. But his story, one of the most extraordinary lives ever lived, has never been told. Until now.

This vibrant solo play from Mark Farrelly (Howerd's End, Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope) brings Derek back into being for a passionate, daring reminder of the courage it takes to truly live while you’re alive. A journey from Dungeness to deepest, brightest Soho and into the heart of one of our most iconoclastic artists.

Jarman’s works include taboo-breaking films like Sebastiane, Jubilee and Caravaggio, pop videos for Pet Shop Boys (It’s A Sin, Rent), his extraordinary garden in Dungeness, his shocking last paintings, and his unforgettable final film Blue, consisting of a continuous frame of blue and chronicling what it’s like to lose your sight…but never your artistic vision.

Written and performed by Mark Farrelly. Directed by Sarah-Louise Young.

★★★★★ "This play will reawaken your love for the man. Highly recommended" - Queer Guru

★★★★★ “Jarman admonishes us to ‘be astonishing’. And that’s exactly what Mark Farrelly is. Fabulous, thought-provoking stuff” - Bum on a Seat

★★★★ “A gripping solo show” - The Stage