New Diorama Theatre will present the world premiere of Orlando: A Pornobiography, a new work from award-winning theatrical duo piss / CARNATION, running from 10 November to 12 December 2026.
Commissioned by New Diorama Theatre, the production is described as a “brazen anti-adaptation” of Virginia Woolf’s Orlando, blending the surreal and the hyperreal in an ambitious exploration of desire, identity and time.
The story spans centuries, from palace grounds in the 16th century to contemporary Berlin, tracing a series of encounters and transformations through what the company calls a “restless transmission across time”.
An ensemble of transfemme performers will reinterpret Woolf’s seminal text through a work that combines historical rupture, erotic entanglements and queer storytelling. Casting is yet to be announced.
Created by Charli Cowgill and Laurie Ward, piss / CARNATION have built a reputation for interdisciplinary theatre exploring transfemininity. Their previous work has been staged at venues including the Edinburgh Fringe, Soho Theatre, New Diorama Theatre and Camden People’s Theatre.
The company won the Edinburgh Untapped Award in 2024 for Ugly Sisters and was also recognised with the Binge Fringe Queer Performer’s Award. They are currently Pleasance Associate Artists for 2025 to 2027.
Emma Clark, Head of Programme at New Diorama Theatre, said: “This winter, we cannot wait for audiences to join us on the frozen river and step back into the world of piss / CARNATION. This is a young company that should be on everyone’s radar, and we’re thrilled to be on the journey of this show in partnership with them. piss / CARNATION’s artistic vision is utterly contemporary, fiercely intelligent, and totally intoxicating, the production promises to be an unforgettable night at the theatre.”
Orlando: A Pornobiography will play Tuesday to Saturday evenings at New Diorama Theatre, with selected matinee performances throughout its run. Press night is scheduled for Wednesday 18 November.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
