Rose Collis is a critically-acclaimed performer, writer and alternative historian who has lived
and worked in Sussex since 1997. Her work includes theatre, biography, journalism, short
fiction, websites, exhibitions, radio, literary talks and guided walks.
Her critically-acclaimed books include Death and the City (Hanover Press 2013), The New
Encyclopaedia of Brighton (2010), ‘This Effing Lady’: Coral Browne (Oberon Books
2007), Colonel Barker’s Monstrous Regiment: A Tale of Female Husbandry (Virago 2000
& 2001); A Trouser-Wearing Character: The Life and Times of Nancy Spain (Cassell 1997
& 1999); and Portraits To The Wall (Cassell 1994).
Rose has also contributed short stories to the anthologies Necrologue: 3rd Diva Book Of
Short Stories (Diva Books 2003), winner of the 2004 Lambda Award for Best Sci-Fi/Mystery
Anthology and The Illustrated Brighton Moment (UnMadeUp Editions, May 2008).
She is a three-time recipient of Society of Authors’ awards for biographical research,
including the Michael Meyer Award for her research on ‘This Effing Lady’.
She has recently been shortlisted for the Gladstone Library Writers-in-Residence 2016
programme: ‘The shortlist is made up of novels, poetry and creative non-fiction that in the
eyes of the shortlisters best represent some of the most creative writing in the world today.’
Her diverse talks and lectures have included sell-out public events at the Royal National
Theatre, the National Film Theatre, the National Portrait Gallery, the Edinburgh Book
Festival, the Brighton Festival, Polari on the South Bank, LGBT History Month, West
London Literary Festival, Brighton Museum, Charleston, Bishopsgate Institute London
and Birmingham University.
In 2006, she wrote and researched online content for the hugely successful Icons Project, a
national web project on British culture, commissioned by Culture Online. In 2007, she was a
major contributor to the online exhibition and website dedicated to the life and works of Joe
Orton.
In 2013, Rose Collis collaborated with Blueprint 22 – a Worthing/Adur-based organisation
for socially and culturally-excluded young people − to produce Screened Out, ‘an historic
journey into reel stories from the celluloid closet’ – the first ever project about Worthing’s
LGBT history and the first ever aimed at young people. Using the focal point of Worthing,
West Sussex, it explored the history of LGBT films shown locally at the town’s independent
cinemas between the 1920s up to the present day. Participants worked with LGBT residents
of all ages to explore the impact these films had on their lives throughout the decades.
Its outcomes included:
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‘Wilde About Worthing’, the first ever LGBT history tour aimed at young people
aged 16-25, devised and led by Rose Collis; featured personalities included Oscar
Wilde, Maureen Colquhoun, Maureen Duffy, Lindsay Anderson, Gluck and Harry
Hay.
A digital timeline about historic films with LGBT themes and characters:
A short documentary, available to view free
A companion e-book, written by Rose Collis and Blueprint 22, 50% of profits from
the e-book go to Blueprint 22.
In 2012, she created ‘Trouser-Wearing Characters’, the first ever one-woman musical
cabaret show written and performed by a female author.
Since making its world premiere at the Brighton Fringe 2012, the show has appeared at
festivals and venues throughout the UK, from Manchester to Margate, Worthing to Wigtown
and Norwich to Northampton. In spring 2013, the show completed a triumphant five-week
tour of four major arts festivals in New Zealand and Australia. It continues to tour the UK in
a slightly revised version.
Rose Collis is a member of Equity and the Society of Authors.
‘Trouser-Wearing Characters’ Runner-Up, ‘Best Theatre Show’
in Ultimate Planet 2014 Awards
‘OUTSTANDING SHOW’: ‘Rose Collis has the air of someone
moving to the next level: all the elements of her previous experience researching, writing and
performing unite during this show in a natural and self-assured way. As an author of several
books, this show is crammed full of facts and unexpected connections…in a theatrical
exploration of colourful characters who defied expectations in order to reinvent themselves,
she also sings and presents the material with enough theatricality to bring her subjects to life.
She could easily be snapped up by television, I feel, as there has been a recent trend towards
shows imparting serious subjects in an entertaining and accessible way. Collis certainly fits
this bill.’ Lucy Nordberg, Fringe Review
‘Ideas of masculinity, femininity, male and female are
brought to life through the real experiences of ground breaking performers and broadcasters,
the forerunners who broke the mould and to whom we owe much for our current freedoms
and acceptance (however far we still have to go). There are plenty of lessons from their
bravery and it is very fitting we celebrate that during History month. Rose brings gems and
nuggets of biographical details compellingly recounted through humour, song and
wit.‘…spiced with witty asides, knowing looks and a bright selection of songs on the
banjolele… Collis brought them to life colourfully and sympathetically.
Ultimate Planet
‘…Collis’s genuine affection for her cross-dressing eccentrics is the heart of this show. That
makes it work, and creates something quirky and uplifting. The themes of the show stayed
with me as I left the Marlborough.’
Mathilda Gregory, Fringe Guru
‘Collis has excelled in creating something that has moved beyond any general label.
Although the show has a distinctly queer theme, the way in which Collis skilfully illuminates
the lives of her trouser-wearing characters means that they each shine simply as interesting
and outstanding human beings irrespective of any gender judgements – which was arguably
what each of them was trying to achieve in life anyway. Trouser-Wearing Characters is a
highly-entertaining and personal piece of cabaret theatre that will be appreciated by a broad
audience.’
Theatre Review New Zealand
A one-woman show in which Rose Collis tells us the stories of four ‘masculine women and
feminine men’; real characters from a not-too-distant past who broke away from gender
stereotypes. Collis knows her subjects well, having written books about them, and her
enthusiasm for them makes the show flow easily. The humour and subject matter is delivered
with admirable subtlety. The fact that some of the characters are fairly contemporary (such as
the hilarious piece written for, but not performed at, Carole Browne’s funeral by Barry
Humphries is a highlight) means that this is not simply a slice of vaudeville nostalgia.
Final Word: Delightful.
Rip It Up, Adelaide
‘Can an historian ever be entertaining? When the historian is Rose Collis and the subject is
delightfully decadent and debauched, the answer is a big ‘over the top’ YES!’ Adelaide
Theatre Guide
‘It’s a pleasure to spend an hour with Rose Collis and her tales of masculine women and
feminine men, a look at the gay British sub culture of the last century.’ Adelaide Advertiser
AUDIENCE FEEDBACK FOR ACE-FUNDED PROJECT
‘NOT WANTED ON VOYAGE’ BY ROSE COLLIS, FEBRUARY 2015
‘I learnt a lot from the play and they [the actors] worked really well together!’
‘I really enjoyed the reading yesterday, which was extremely informative as well as great
entertainment.’
‘All in all, an excellent play – it was a most enjoyable experience.’
‘Your writing is sharp and detailed, and you have brought two characters back from the grave is a
colourful and vibrant way. I think what you said about showing a relationship between a gay man
and gay woman is very pertinent and right - we NEVER see that relationship written in a loving way.’
‘Beautifully written. I thought it was a riveting combination of humour and pathos - and the mannered
exchanges were rather reminiscent of Noel Coward, which was very appropriate. It really deserves a
proper production.’
‘Entertaining, fills in a gap in our historical knowledge, witty, very much taken from real life and full
of surprises.’
‘…intelligent, witty, information-packed, a moment in time recreated for today's audience.’
‘What came across strongly was how society viewed gay men and lesbians not that long ago, within
my lifetime.’
‘…, the material includes so much well phrased dialogue.’
‘I really enjoyed it and am so excited to see it taking shape in such a witty and entertaining form.’
‘Thanks so much for bringing these wonderful characters to life.’
‘We found it very informative & entertaining, and congratulate you & your team for getting it to this
stage - it's a fascinating insight into these two personalities & their period.’
Maureen Chadwick and Kath Gotts, Big Broad Productions.
http://www.planet-london.com/lifestyle/theatre-reviews/not-wanted-voyage-struggles-og-being-outmedia-then-and-now
'Not Wanted On Voyage' - the struggles of
being out in the media then and now
A special read through of Rose Collis' new play based on an imagined scenario of a real
voyage of two of the tabloid A-listers of their day.
With the sharpest dialogue, that pays attention to genuine quotes and soundbites of the pair,
and revelations steeped in truth, Collis explores the nature of celebrity then and surprises the
audience with the similarities that exist now.
A witty touch kept this unspoilt two-hander fresh, lively, bittersweet.
Let's hope it has the opportunity to air and become a representation of our history seen by
many.
PRAISE FOR ROSE COLLIS AND HER WORK:
Good literary events expand our horizons and encourage us to pick up books and read authors
we have never considered before. That’s exactly what happened to me at the Clifton
Montpelier Powis Festival on Saturday (7 July). Writer, alternative historian and Brighton
resident Rose Collis, presented a fascinating performance about Charles Dickens and his
many connections to Brighton and Hove. With the help of two actors, her entertaining and
semi-dramatised show ‘What the Dickens?’ related snippets of the great author’s many visits
to the seaside resort in the mid-1800s.
Brighton and Hove Free Press
‘That indeed is the Collis way: loads of info delivered with charming informality and with
plenty of anecdotal chuckles along the way.’ Andrew Kay, The Latest
‘Rose Collis…a style not unlike that of “grumpy old women” but more interesting and
funnier.’ Planet London.com
‘Wotever World have had the pleasure to collaborate and work with Rose Collis twice now
and, at both events, she and her unique style have gone down a storm. Trouser Wearing
Characters is a piece of much needed LGBT history, and with her wit and charm Rose makes
us sip up every word and tune. We are specially in awe of the Music Hall numbers on
banjolele! Perfect and so funny! We are looking forward to many more events where we have
Rose with us on stage.’ Ingo Cando, Creative Producer, Wotever World
‘Rose Collis brought much humour and charm to Polari, where her musical gifts went down
extremely well with our audience.’ Paul Burston, Curator, Polari at the Southbank
Centre, London
‘Rose Collis’s show Trouser Wearing Characters went down a storm at the Wigtown Book
Festival 2012. That’s quite a coup for an English artiste in a Scottish environment. Cheers
and laughter and tears — all of them inspired by Rose’s performance. People loved it — the
history, the entertainment, the presentation — which was professional, focussed and
sensitive.’ Gerrie Douglas-Scott, ReadingLasses, Wigtown Booktown Fringe Festival
‘Pink Fringe and Marlborough Theatre supported the development and presented the initial
run of Trouser-Wearing Characters. We were delighted with the response to the show and
Rose’s ability to illuminate minority histories in an engaging way that appeals to a broad
range of audiences. She has a distinctive artistic voice.’ David Sheppeard, Pink
Fringe/Marlborough Theatre
‘West Sussex Libraries had the great pleasure of working with Rose Collis during LGBT
History Month 2012. It was an excellent event, with each section very well chosen for the
evening and for the audience in mind. Rose had a great rapport with her audience and was
very relaxed about talking informally to people afterwards, which added to the atmosphere. It
was a really enjoyable event to be involved with.’ Mike Morten, Community Librarian,
West Sussex Libraries
‘Talking to her at the close of another long day researching her latest biography, Rose
enthuses passionately about her deceased subjects as though they were close friends – lovers
almost.’
Cliff James, one80
‘She has a love for her craft and is able to communicate that to anyone wanting to listen or
read.’
G-Scene
‘She’s something of a human encyclopaedia, Rose Collis…as curious as a child, a trait that’s
led to her writing books on a wide range of esoteric subjects. Collis is a character in herself;
in the future, surely someone will be singing a song about her.’ Nione Meakin, The Argus
‘If you hear of a workshop near you that is run by Rose, then I recommend that you book
early and go, you won’t regret it. In the meantime, you can always dip into her books; like
Rose herself, they sound absolutely fascinating.’ Laura Wilkinson,
hagsharlotsandheroines.com
‘She talked movingly about her subjects as well as about the process of biographical writing.
A very enjoyable session and an author to look out for.’
Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals
PRAISE FOR A TROUSER-WEARING CHARACTER:
‘Rose Collis presents us with a character so warm and barmy and vivid that she bounces off
the pages and into your heart…’
Val Hennessey, Daily Mail
‘Delightfully readable, with an unusually vivid sense of the recent past and its personalities,
she is a young biographer to watch.’ Jonathan Cecil, The Spectator
‘Collis on Spain is scatty, readable and fun…’
Lynn Barber, Daily Telegraph
‘A vigorous, warm, fluent biography of a vigorous, warm, fluent woman.’
Francis King, Literary Review
‘Rose Collis has written a most conscientious biography of…the real first lady of Fleet
Street’
Anthony Howard, Sunday Times
‘Collis traces Spain’s life and career with diligence and good humour.’
Peter Parker, The Independent
‘…a labour of love and a mistresspiece of detective work.’
Patrick Gale, Gay Times
‘…excellent and long overdue biography.’
Christie Hickman, Midweek
‘Spain’s life is laid bare in fine prose in this sensitive biography…an absolute must for your
bookshelf.’
Diva
One of the ‘Books of the Year’ 1997, chosen by Shena McKay, The Independent, and
Jonathan Cecil, The Spectator
PRAISE FOR COLONEL BARKER’S MONSTROUS REGIMENT:
‘Excellent… treads a careful line between sensation and sentiment.’
Daily Telegraph
‘Fascinating… Collis’s unpretentious, ribald, chatty style carries this ripping yarn.’
Time Out
‘A fascinating tale…Collis has researched this book thoroughly, and she writes with a lively
sense of humour.’
Anne Stevenson, Times Literary Supplement
‘Rose Collis has delved meticulously…and produced a remarkably gripping and, at times,
quite hilarious story.’
Val Hennessy, Daily Mail, ‘Critic’s Choice’.
‘One of the oddest true stories ever told… film producers would be mad not to snap it up.’
Craig Brown, Mail on Sunday
‘Rose Collis tells this story of deception with great skill, compassion and wit.’
Daily Express
‘Written with style and feeling…’
Financial Times
‘This entertaining romp would have made an appealing novel; the fact that it is a true story
makes it yet more compelling… especially written in Collis’s jolly, narrative style.’
The Good Book Guide
‘Collis treads a careful line between sensation and sentiment. She finds strength, humour and
glamour in her subjects.’
Kathryn Hughes, Daily Telegraph
PRAISE FOR CORAL BROWNE: ‘THIS EFFING LADY’
‘Hugely enjoying the book’
Prunella Scales
‘It is a most compelling book.’
Nigel Havers
‘I absolutely love it. So detailed and rich. My only problem is that I’m supposed to be reading
something to review on Richard and Judy’s book show and I can’t put Coral down!’
Bill Paterson
‘Rose Collis’s biography is hugely entertaining and awesomely well researched… [her] witty
book goes beyond fag-hagiography to show Coral’s faults as well as the generous spirit
which made her “Darling Coral” to so many.’
Daily Mail
‘Her book is elegant and moving, a hoot…’
Daily Telegraph
‘The fruitiest Browne anecdotes are contained within this poisonously enjoyable
book…Collis tells you when she detects the musty smell of theatrical apocrypha…’
Independent on Sunday
‘Miss Collis…recognises and recounts, with cutting clarity, the less savoury side of the aging,
fading star.’
The Spectator
Top 10 Books Of The Year: No.3, Coral Browne: ‘This Effing Lady’
‘Her extraordinary life, loves and career are captured in this thoroughly researched and
absorbing biography.’
TNT
‘Rose Collis interviewed scores of Coral Browne’s surviving friends and travelled more than
forty thousand miles to gather the material that makes “This Effing Lady” such a delight.’
360 Magazine
‘Rose Collis’s admirable biography perfectly captures the wicked wit and the sheer fun of the
woman.’ one80
‘Witty and well-researched in the capable hands of Rose Collis.’
Diva