A moment in history
Fateful meeting is subject for this one-off drama based on real life
The untold disability civil-rights love story of two cabaret performers, Barbara and Alan, who met at a gig, fell in love, and became the driving force behind an unprecedented campaign of direct action that ultimately led to the passing of the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act.
Written by multiple Baftawinner Jack Thorne, alongside actor-turned-writer Genevieve Barr, Then Barbara Met Alan stars Bafta-nominated Ruth Madeley (Don’t Take My Baby, Years And Years) as comedian and activist Barbara Lisicki and Arthur Hughes (Help, The Innocents) as singer songwriter and activist Alan Holdsworth.
Their story begins in the early 90s when many deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people in Britain faced huge barriers in the workplace, lived in poorquality housing, and transport wasn’t accessible. At that time, the idea that the disabled community should be the grateful beneficiaries of charity handouts was commonplace, and far
from being equal independent citizens, disabled people had no rights in law.
But then Barbara met Alan… With their wicked sense of humour and post-punk energy combined, the pair soon decide to take down Telethon, a
28-hour TV charity event that raises funds by pulling on heart strings and wrongly making people feel sorry for disabled people. For the first time in history, they galvanise an army of disabled protestors from across Britain, united under an incendiary protest slogan, and soon Telethon is no more.
Having shocked a nation and shown what disabled people are capable of, they form DAN, the Disabled Peoples Direct Action Network. And soon they head out on tour, with their new baby in tow, to shut down inaccessible bus routes and spontaneously picket cinemas, restaurants, and train stations - anywhere that denies access to disabled people.
This punky and irreverent film is Directed by Bafta-winning Bruce Goodison (Anne, Murdered By My Father) and Bafta-nominated Amit Sharma (Crip Tales) with music by Chaz Jankel (The Blockheads) and Alan Holdsworth.
The unique ensemble cast features emerging and established disabled talent.
At its heart, this is an uplifting and irreverent love story of two extraordinary people, destined to change the world from the moment they set eyes on each other. Through their humour and unstoppable energy, disabled people find a voice and begin a journey towards gaining the rights they’ve long deserved.
Then Barbara Met Alan BBC Two, Monday, 9pm