Groundbreaking play challenges trans discrimination
Jo Clifford as Jesus in The Gospel of Jesus, Queen of Heaven
Why is the play important today? Jo Clifford explains in this video recorded in 2014 which is just as relevant in 2025.
A MOVING and thought-provoking play coming to Liverpool this month invites us to imagine Jesus coming back to earth now as a trans woman.
The Gospel According to Jesus, Queen of Heaven is a unique and emotive one-woman theatrical performance that ‘leaves everyone feeling blessed’ as it seeks to end trans discrimination.
Jesus has returned to earth as a trans woman and this is your chance to come and meet her!
The show is written and performed by Jo Clifford, one of Scotland’s most renowned playwrights, with more than 100 plays to her name.
Described as having ‘one of the most remarkable journeys in recent theatre history’ (Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman) the show has had an incredible journey over the last fifteen years since its premiere as part of the Glasgay festival in 2009.
This is Jo’s first time performing her show in Liverpool, and it is a chance for the audience to be blessed with a sense of shared connection. There has never been a more important time for such a simple message of hope and of love. Jo says:
I wrote The Gospel According to Jesus, Queen of Heaven because I wanted to resist. Resist the profound and damaging shame and fear and guilt that has been with me almost all my life. The shame and the fear and the guilt that comes on almost all of us trans women and men born into this hostile world.
The performance is made possible in the city by Open Table, an inclusive worship community based at St Bride’s Church.
Warren Hartley, LGBTQIA+ Ministry Facilitator for St Bride's Liverpool says:
I'm so excited to welcome Jo Clifford and her moving play to Liverpool at St Bride's. Jesus Queen of Heaven is one of the most extraordinary theatre experiences I have had. Jo's imaginative exploration and reworking of the stories Jesus told is powerful, challenging and inspiring for everyone. Theatre is a powerful tool to help us see stories differently and deeply honours the beauty of the stories Trans people offer in our world.
Performance dates:
Join Queen Jesus in Liverpool for two nights only at St Bride's Church, Percy Street, L8 7LT in the heart of the city's Georgian Quarter
Meet the playwright in conversation on Friday 25th April 7.30pm (entrance by donation, no booking required).
Theatre performance on Saturday 26th April 7.30pm (duration 55 minutes). Concessions £10, Full price: £15. Book with Ticketsource.
