A heartwarming song cycle exploring the shared experiences of LGBTQ+ people through a range of unique personal stories.

Throughout history, LGBTQ+ people have found solace, support, and security in the stories of others. In Lifeboats a cast of 4 take on different roles throughout the cycle, sometimes playing the role of someone in the LGBTQ+ community, and someone inhabiting a queer icon from history. They come together to share their stories; a young man recounts having his eyes opened on a family holiday in Italy, a woman pines for her next-door neighbour, Oscar Wilde shares his wit and wisdom, and Anne Lister remembers her wedding day.

Each tale that is told shows us that someone just like you has walked this path before. As the people on stage learn about one another’s lives and loves, they come to recognise that they are part of a history and a community that is rich and vibrant, resilient and hopeful.

Each song acts as a lifeboat, a little moment of hope, for the audience to use to steer themselves to shore. Lifeboats gives LGBTQ+ people moments of identification and recognition. More importantly, it presents a joyful, shared experience, rejecting stories of queer tragedy.
 

Previous Praise for The Counterminers:

'A truly stand-out show of the Fringe' ★★★★★ The Student

'The audience absolutely loved this strong cast' ★★★★★ Chris Grady

'The Counterminers have brought something very special to the festival' ★★★★ The Wee Review

'It does exactly what it sets out to do' ★★★★ The Reviews Hub

'The characterisation in this play is next level' ★★★★ Binge Fringe

'A wholesome and joyous romp of a show' ★★★★ EdFringe Review

Best Fringe Performance | Winner
Best Fringe Comedy | Nominee
Derek Awards
★★★★★