The Trials Of Colonel Barker
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The Trials Of Colonel Barker
In the Twenties, Colonel Sir Victor Barker DSO was a fine figure of a man. Dashing, handsome, with impeccable manners, he was a model gentleman, and devoted father of a young son.
But the uniform and military bearing concealed a big secret, revealed in a sensational trial at the Old Bailey in April 1929. For ‘Colonel Barker’ had been born a woman. The trial made headline news around the world, and its repercussions were felt most keenly throughout Sussex, as many key episodes in this fascinating story were played out in Climping, Littlehampton and Brighton.
Now Rose Collis, author of the critically acclaimed biography Col Barker’s Monstrous Regiment, is writing a new stage play based on her book. Funded by Arts Council England, the play will be given its first rehearsed reading during the ‘Hove Grown’ new writing festival in late March.
At this special event, she will be talking about the research and creative processes involved in producing both works, shedding light on the extraordinary, complex story of someone who veered from tragedy to farce to fame to obscurity, but who always strove to remain ‘a perfect gentleman’.
There will be a Q&A session, and copies of Colonel Barker’s Monstrous Regiment will be available to buy.
Jubilee Library
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Jubilee Library
See all events at Jubilee Library