“Peter Straker” was born in Jamaica and arrived in the UK as a child in 50’s alongside many who migrated as part of the wind rush generation.
“Straker” has been hailed as one of the great voices of the British stage who first shot to fame in 1968 starring as Hud in the original London production of ‘Hair’. His acclaimed acting and singing career has spanned some 50 years including stage and screen working with notable performers as Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney, Karen Black, Susana York, Stephanie Beacham, Norman Beaton, Tom Baker, Diana Quick, Derek Griffiths, Pam Ferris, Helena Bonham Carter as well as Freddie Mercury, Ruby Turner and Pete Townsend.
Presented in a new HD restoration using rare film elements, GIRL/STROKE/BOY will make its world Blu-ray premiere presentation at the London screening showcase (name tbc) at the Prince Charles Cinema, London on Thursday 9th September 2021 followed by a Q & A with “Peter Straker” and is due for Blu-ray DVD release in January 2022.
Bob Kellett’s film, based on David Percival’s play Girlfriend, is an uproarious British twist on Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, with straightlaced, conservative, middle class parents (Michael Hordern and Joan Greenwood) shocked when their son (Clive Francis) brings home his new ‘girlfriend’ Jo (played by the indomitable “Straker”) Delighting in breaking taboos, and exposing both the racial and sexual prejudices of the time, GIRL/STROKE/BOY was unique in its frank discussion of race and gender politics – and emerges even more significant and relevant today.
Considered highly controversial at the time of its release, GIRL/STROKE/BOY has gone on to embrace a universal cult classic status reflecting Britain’s pioneering, yet problematic, relationship with onscreen sexuality.
Currently “Straker” is in the studio recording new song material and has previously released a number of albums including a special deluxe x 3 disc box set titled “THIS ONE’S ON ME” (2020) and his latest single, “Late Night Taxi Dancer 2020.” To date “Straker” continues to perform here in the UK and Internationally. www.peterstraker.com