NAKED FRANK THEATRE
  • ABOUT
  • GALLERY
  • OUR WORK
  • SUPPORTED WORK
  • CONTACT

BEFORE IT STARTS


Before It Starts was a brutal and unforgiving take on teenage life, sex, social media and friendships. Written as an educational show, there was ‘no compromise with audience comfort zones’. Put simply, if you are squeamish about staring the hard truth of teenage homophobia in the eye and laughing lavishly in its face, then this wasn’t the show for you. Written and performed by a predominantly gay cast, the piece was brazen, witty and unapologetic. Teenagers can be cruel and ruthless and Naked Frank Theatre bravely went where others had never dared to go before. 
​
Growing up is hard and when a new girl starts school and reveals her controversial sexuality her friends have a lot to laugh about. But when the jokes turn sour and the playful banter becomes bullying the group realise they have a lot to be sorry for. Based on true events and real life stories; Naked Frank Theatre combine written accounts and verbatim text to tell a cold story about homophobia in schools in an outlandish, controversial and hilarious manner. Unlike other conventional homophobia stories that pity the victim, Before It Starts approaches this story from the bully’s point of view, making them likeable, funny, charismatic and oblivious of their own actions. So sit back, relax and get ready for the rawest, funniest and most offensive ride of your life. It’s playful, it’s honest, it’s daring, it’s an education for all! Oh, and remember, it’s based on true events and real life accounts. Yes, people actually said these things. Teenagers can be shockingly funny!
REVIEWS & PRESS

​
★★★★★
A hard-hitting, provocative and excoriating drama.

Peter Yates, London Theatre 1, 2018
Click here to read the full review

​

★★★★★
Everything is in place: enthusiasm, integrity, uncompromising message: the result is a highly effective piece of theatre. 

Peter Yates, London Theatre 1, 2016
Click here to read the full review
CREATIVE TEAM

CAST
Carleigh-Ann Portelli
Claire Louise Portelli
Rebecca Briley

​WRITER
Carleigh-Ann Portelli

LIGHTING TECHNICIAN
Thomas Cheeseman

SOUND TECHNICIAN
Thomas Cheeseman

MUSIC 
A Himitsu
Bensound
DJInterstar
Ross Bugden
NeLaS
Sirius Beat
Silent Partner
Sava Marinkovic 
​Dennis Pettard

PRODUCER
Naked Frank Theatre

SPECIAL THANKS TO
Lisa Briley
Andy Hardaker
Sherrie Hardaker
Laura Holland
Dennis Pettard
Silvie Pettard
Stacey Pettard
Joe Portelli
Michelle Portelli
Neville Portelli
Sue Simpson
Vincent Vernez
Sherrie's Dancewear
​Miskin Theatre

VENUES (2016)
​Camden People's Theatre
The Maud

VENUES (2018)
Bread & Roses Theatre
Etcetera Theatre
​Blue Elephant Theatre
CONTACT US
E: [email protected]

T: 07873588787
​
Picture

"We don't believe that theatre can change the world; but it can change an opinion. Change enough opinions and you might just change the world."

INFO
NAKED FRANK THEATRE
CARLEIGH-ANN PORTELLI
CLAIRE LOUISE PORTELLI
PHOTOS AND FOOTAGE
THEATRE
BUT THEN IT BEGAN...
WHO SPILT SANTA'S SECRET?
BEFORE IT STARTS
JUST IN THE SAINT NICK OF TIME
TALES OF THE MONSTERS IN MY HEAD
THE ANGEL OF DECEMBER
​PISSED OFF POETRY
​THE TRAP
FILM & VR
CATCH ME IF I FALL
​BANTER VS BULLYING
​GYRUS & THE FOREST
OUT BEYOND HER SHORE
EVENTS
MONSTER HEADS EXHIBITION
HIGH TIDE FESTIVAL
PASSIONATE POETS COMPETITION
​BETTER FUTURES
FORENSIC SERVICES
SINGING
CREATIVE WRITING
RECORDING STUDIO
S.E.A.T.S PROGRAMME

Naked Frank Theatre Ltd, Registered Company No: 12801463 © Copyright Naked Frank Theatre, 2025. All rights reserved.  
  • ABOUT
  • GALLERY
  • OUR WORK
  • SUPPORTED WORK
  • CONTACT