'Mister Stokes: The Man-Woman of Manchester'

Joey Hateley, Artistic Director of TransAction Theatre

The team behind A Very Victorian Scandal are presenting a new play at this year’s National Festival of LGBT History. Mister Stokes: The Man-Woman of Manchester tells the story of Harry Stokes who was found drowned in the River Irwell in 1859. When his body was examined he was found to be biologically female despite living as a man and marrying twice. This play tells the story behind Mister Stokes ‘the Man-Woman of Manchester’.

The few records that exist about Mister Stokes show he lived a successful life in Victorian Manchester. But, like many trans pioneers, he has been forgotten. Pagelight Productions have brought together talent from Manchester’s theatre scene to dramatise his story at the People’s History Museum on 27th February.

Joey Hateley, Artistic Director of TransAction Theatre, will play Harry Stokes. Jo Dakin, pictured below on the right, will Ada. Jo won best drama at last year’s Greater Manchester Fringe Awards.

Joey Hateley said: “The opportunity to bring a true story of a Victorian trans pioneer to life, in my home town, is a possibility I never dreamed of. This incredible series of events leaves me especially honoured to play the role of Mister Stokes: The ‘Man-woman of Manchester.’”

Writer Abi Hynes, who recently wrote Seven Veils: An Evening with Mata Hari, received help from LGBT historian Emma Vickers to research Mister Stokes’ story. Abi said: “It's a remarkable story and it’s incredible that it's remained untold so far. It feels like a wonderful opportunity to bring to light part of Manchester's history that should, by all rights, be well-known.”

The performance of Mister Stokes: The Man-Woman of Manchester will take place on Saturday 27th February at the People’s History Museum.

The production has been made in partnership with LGBT History Month and is supported using public funding by the Arts Council England. More information can be found here.