Calling all StageSiders, welcome back to another article here at StageSideUK. This time around we have the pleasure of sharing a syndicated interview, shared by the folks at chloenelkinconsulting. This interview asks Darren Pritchard about their recent performance / fashion show in Barcelona. Ghetto Fabulous’ Family Catwalk Extravaganza took to the stage and slayed, and this is what Darren had to say about the experience.
What does it mean to you to represent Manchester as part of the Guest City programme at La Mercè
To represent Manchester as part of the Guest City programme at La Mercè is a deep honour for us as QTIPoC artists and organisers. our work has always been about delivering queer joy that reaches beyond the UK – joy that resists, heals, and unites.
Through Ghetto Fables, we collaborate with some of the most marginalised voices, holding space for their stories and lifting them into visibility.
For us, bringing Manchester to La Mercè is not just about celebrating a city, but about showing how QTIPoC joy and resistance shape its cultural heartbeat. It’s about honouring those who came before us and those still fighting, while building connections across borders through art, care, and solidarity.
What excites you most about performing in Barcelona and sharing your work with an international audience?
What excites us most about performing in Barcelona is the chance to share our work with new communities on an international stage. Our practice is rooted in creating joyful experiences — joy as resistance, joy as healing, joy as celebration. We hope to bring that energy to Barcelona, showing not only the creativity of Manchester but also just how fierce, unapologetic, and powerful QTIPoC artistry can be.
How did the concept for this performance first take shape?
The concept for this performance grew out of Darren Pritchard’s long-running catwalk competition shows, which were originally created for adult audiences. He then had the vision to make this experience accessible for children and families too, so developed a show that keeps the energy, glamour, and joy of the original while being suitable for all ages.
At its heart, this work is about giving children and young people the chance to see and celebrate the diversity of people in the world. Representation matters, and creating a space where families can share in that joy felt both necessary and powerful
How has the collaboration with XTRAX and Without Walls supported or shaped this artistic experience?
The collaboration with XTRAX and Without Walls has been key in shaping the outdoor version of the show. They originally commissioned this version, which gave us the space and support to adapt the work for outdoor festivals. Through our conversations with them, we were able to consider how the show could connect with festival audiences, which directly influenced creative choices—such as bringing in our fabulous host from Barcelona, whose energy and presence really bring the piece to life in this setting.
What do you hope audiences in Barcelona will take away from experiencing your performance?
We hope audiences in Barcelona leave the performance with a sense of pure, unadulterated joy—a chance to step away from the everyday, connect with the energy of the show, and simply celebrate being together in the moment.
I am so jealous of everyone who got to experience this presentation and I hope to see more from Darren Pritchard in the future!
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