Known in legend as Leeds’ oldest gay pub, first opening 1744 as the Horse and Jockey. Those who’ve set foot inside say tell stories of the two lives of the building, for businessmen in the day time. However when the sun set they were replaced by a community of gay men. The pub is known to have had a two way mirror upon entry, allowing those inside to see who entered, and importantly if those people were safe, and those outside to be unaware of the identities of the men inside. The pub is also said to have had a nightly visit from local policemen, who were taken to the back room of the pub for a drink, protecting those inside. Formerly on Commercial Street, the building no longer stands, and so Visions in the Map re-imagines The Mitre in a mythic 1-to-1 performance, inspired by the pub’s grand decor, religious name, and space for men to meet, now set in Leeds’ oldest pub, Whitelock’s.
Evening at the Mitre Hotel – Confessional
Free entry
23rd September 2023, 10:30 – 4pm
Location: Turk’s Head, Whitelocks
Confessional: A 1-to-1 Exploration of Queerness and Healing
In this 15-minute, one-on-one performance, ‘Confessional,’ we delve into the history of Leeds’ first gay bar, The Mitre Hotel, to unravel the complex relationship between queerness and religion. Our shared goal is to release and heal the hurts we carry, acknowledging the pain we’ve experienced as queer individuals.
As we navigate this intimate ritual, we confront past wounds and celebrate our resilience within the queer community. ‘Confessional’ is a space for vulnerability, connection, and collective healing. Join me in this transformative encounter, where we emerge stronger and more united.
Performed by Hollie Grace in collaboration with China Duke and Rhiannon Armstrong