The Order of Chaeronea:

A Secret Queer Audio Musical

The Order of Chaeronea: A Secret Queer Audio Musical is the brainchild of award-winning writer, performer, and researcher Jonathan O’Neill.

While digging through history, Jonathan uncovered the incredible, forgotten legacy of George Cecil Ives (1867–1950)—one of the UK’s very first gay rights activists. In the 1890s, Ives founded a secret society called The Order of Chaeronea, dedicated to decriminalising homosexuality and building a community of resistance.

Jonathan has partnered with Sanctuary Queer Arts and the brilliant audio collective Tin Can Audio to turn this hidden piece of history into a spectacular, world-class 8-part audio drama musical.

Lead Artist - Jonathan O’Neill

Photo Credit: Alastair More

“The hidden queer histories held within George Cecil Ives' extensive collections have stayed a secret for so long, apt for the founder of a queer secret society, but I'm so excited to be working with Sanctuary Queer Arts to share these stories of queer resilience at a time when they're needed more than ever. Our project brings Britain's forgotten heritage home by mixing academia with creativity, and making something entertaining and easily accessible. Ives' collection, held in the US, is a massive untapped document into queer British life in the late-Victorian era and I feel lucky to be supported by the Sanctuary team and our other project partners in researching and realising this mad multi-faceted project.” - Jonathan O’Neill - Lead Artist

Team

Creative Team

  • Showrunner, Researcher & Writer: Jonathan O’Neill

  • Composer, Dramaturg & Additional Lyricist: Bethany Tennick

  • Director: Debbie Hannan

Production & Technical Team (Tin Can Audio)

  • Executive Producer: Ella Watts

  • Sound Designer & Dialogue Recording: Amber Devereux

  • Production Manager & Script Editor: Ross McFarlane

  • Recording Studio Engineer: Gus Stirrat (Solas Sound Studio)

Management & Administration (Sanctuary Queer Arts)

  • Lead Project Producer: Fraser MacLeod

  • Administrative & Financial Support: Annabel Cooper