The Siren Collection

Background:
1979 – 1989:
Siren Theatre Company was a lesbian feminist theatre company and band, based in Brighton, East Sussex. Siren performed their first play at The Marlborough Theatre in Brighton in 1980. Siren toured extensively for 10 years throughout the UK and abroad with its own productions, which fused a recognisable narrative form with visual theatre and music. Siren members were Jane Boston, Tash Fairbanks, Hilary Ramsden, Deb Trethewey and Jude Winter. The plays were devised by the company and scripted by Tash Fairbanks. Guest directors were brought in for various plays.

2014 – current:
Siren reformed as a band in 2014 and played their first reunited gig at The Marlborough, Brighton, the venue they first performed at in 1980. Band members are Siren originals, Jane Boston (guitar & vocals), Tash Fairbanks (bass), Jude Winter (keyboards) and Deb Trethewey (drums). They were joined by guest vocalist Emilia Ballardini from August 2018 until February 2021.

Siren Timeline
1979: Siren was formed by Jane Boston, Tash Fairbanks and Jude Winter
1980: ‘Mama’s Gone A’Hunting’ (1st play)
1981: ‘Curfew’ (2nd play)
1981 Siren was joined by 4th member, Deb Trethewey, as lighting and sound technician and set designer for the shows (as well as driver of the van!).
1983: ‘From the Divine’ (3rd play)
1983: Siren releases vinyl album ‘Siren Plays”, with music from the three plays above.
1984: Siren was joined by 5th member, Hilary Ramsden as another performer.
1984: ‘Now Wash Your Hands Please’ (4th play)
1985: Siren releases music cassette ‘Siren in Queerstreet’ , with their own New Wave music they performed as a band.
1985: ‘Pulp’ (5th play)
1986: ‘Bubbles’ (6th play)
1986; ‘Chic to Chic’ cabaret
1987: ‘Hotel Destiny’ (7th play)
1988: ‘Les Les” (8th play)
1989: ‘Swamp’ (9th play)