Archive · 6 Nov 2025
Jack Holden's 'Revolting' TV Drama to Chronicle Gay Liberation Front's Activism
Imagine a time when gay people couldn't easily be themselves.
A writer named Jack Holden is making a TV show about brave activists who wanted change.
They even dressed up in disguises, like a nun and a bishop, to sneak into a meeting where people were being mean about gay rights.
Once inside, they used air horns and released mice to disrupt the event!
This show, called 'Revolting,' will tell stories like this, showing how people fought for gay rights a long time ago, even before big Pride parades.
The writer wants to show that being an activist back then was very difficult but also very important.
He hopes his show will be funny and exciting, like a thrilling movie, but also teach us about history and how people are all the same.
Writer-actor Jack Holden is developing a TV drama titled 'Revolting' for the Brit List 2025.
The series is inspired by a true event where the Gay Liberation Front disrupted a conservative meeting in London in 1971.
'Revolting' aims to highlight the history of LGBT activism in the 1970s, emphasizing its radical nature and the bravery required.
Holden has drawn inspiration from shows like 'It's A Sin' and received mentorship from its writer, Russell T. Davies.
The script has received industry attention, securing 15 nominations on the Brit List, and Holden is seeking a production company to develop it further.
- Who
- Jack Holden, writer-actor and aspiring showrunner
- What
- Developing a TV drama titled 'Revolting' based on the true story of the Gay Liberation Front's protest at the 1971 Nationwide Festival of Light and the broader LGBTQ+ activism of the 1970s.
- When
- The primary event depicted is from 1971, with the series tracking activism over two decades.
- Where
- London, specifically the Methodist Central Hall in Westminster for the 1971 event.
- Why
- To highlight a significant, lesser-known moment in British gay rights history and to showcase the radical direct action and bravery of 1970s LGBT activism.
Jack Holden's Perspective
Industry Challenges
Historical Context of LGBT Activism
Jack Holden's Perspective
Holden emphasizes that LGBT activism has a long history predating the 1980s, with the 1970s being a more challenging and radical era requiring bravery for direct action.
Industry Challenges
There is an aversion in the industry to projects not set in the present moment, which poses a challenge for period pieces like 'Revolting'.
Genre and Tone of 'Revolting'
Jack Holden's Perspective
Holden describes the show as an 'alternative heist action-thriller' that borrows from Russell T. Davies, featuring a social message wrapped in a funny, poppy plot, focusing on 'humanity' rather than just being 'deep period'.
Industry Challenges
The show's unique genre and tone might face challenges in fitting traditional market expectations, despite positive industry feedback.
- Writer
- Jack Holden
- Project Title
- Revolting
- Inspiration
- 1971 Gay Liberation Front action at the Nationwide Festival of Light, account by Lisa Power
- Development Support
- Rachel Harvey (former Mam Tor development exec), Russell T. Davies (mentor)
- Inspiration/Tone Reference
- It's A Sin
- Brit List 2025 Ranking
- 15 nominations, highly ranked
- Production Status
- Script developed, seeking production company