Queer Theatre has launched a bold new spring season, offering a diverse array of events championing queer stories and nurturing emerging talent across London’s creative community.
This season, the Queer Play Reading Club welcomes special guests Harry McDonald, Coral Wylie and Jake Brunger, alongside Artistic Director Andrew Keates. Each session offers writers the chance to share new work, take part in open feedback and enjoy a full play reading and Q&A. The first event will take place at the newly refurbished Upstairs at The Railway.
Harry McDonald will open the season on Tuesday 21 April with his play Foam, inspired by a true story and exploring far-right extremism through the lens of London’s skinhead and gay scenes in the 70s and 80s. On Tuesday 19 May, Coral Wylie presents Lavender, Hyacinth, Violet, Yew, a tender piece about reconnecting with oneself, while Jake Brunger joins on Tuesday 16 June with Four Play, a sharp comedy about the complexities of an open relationship. Caroline Bird will also lead an upcoming session with The Last Stand of Mrs Mary Whitehouse on Tuesday 17 March.
A new cabaret night, Luvvie: Gods and Monsters, launches on Friday 8 May. Named in honour of patron Sir Stephen Fry, this Greek mythology themed celebration brings together LGBTQIA+ creatives and allies, building on Queer Theatre’s lively networking events and raising funds through an industry auction.
Sir Stephen Fry said, “I am so proud to be connected, even in my own small way, to Queer Theatre, because what Andrew and his team are doing is simply fantastic. There’s an amazing season coming up of new queer playwrights in all directions, providing exquisitely new voices in all kinds of theatres of queer life. It’s very exciting. There’s Luvvie: Gods and Monsters, which is a very charmingly named exercise in the exposition of the wondrously queer Greek myths. They’re always so thrilling… I do hope you’ll look at the program and support this amazing venture.”
Beyond performance spaces, Queer Theatre introduces Walk & Talk, monthly outdoor hikes designed to provide a sober, supportive environment for creativity and wellbeing. The season begins with walks at Box Hill on Saturday 25 April, Leith Hill on Saturday 23 May and Arundel Park on Saturday 27 June. During colder months, the programme moves indoors with museum visits including an LGBTQIA+ tour of Tate Britain on Saturday 7 March.
Showcase events return with OutCast: Spring Showcase on Wednesday 25 March at The Two Brewers, followed by a Summer Variety Night on Friday 19 June featuring drag, stand up and musical theatre. These events highlight new voices while offering industry professionals the chance to discover emerging talent.
Queer Theatre continues its weekly LGBTQIA+ acting classes at The Two Brewers and expands its collaboration with Alasdair Buchan for Shakespeare Masterclasses exploring the Bard through a queer lens. The Show People Podcast will also feature new special guests this year, including Jack Holden.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
