Stephen Fry announced as Patron to new LGBTQ+ Theatre Company

The hugely successful launch party of Queer Theatre at the Two Brewers featured performances by Emma Lindars, Charlie George, Cassidy Janson, Katherine Rhodes, Marsha Mallow, and Lady Imelda, along with a fundraising auction hosted by Steve Furst and a heartfelt speech by founder and Artistic Director Andrew Keates. Queer Theatre UK’s new Patron, Stephen Fry, is joined by current Patrons, playwright Martin Sherman (Bent, Mrs Henderson Presents, Rose) and actor Annette Badland (The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, Doctor Who, Ted Lasso).

A speech from Stephen Fry was played at the Queer Theatre Launch

Queer Theatre will showcase and highlight queer stories and queer talent

Queer Theatre has officially raised the curtain on their new initiatives, produced to nurture queer theatre makers, including:

2B: Acting Classes

For LGBTQ+ People, the classes are every Monday evening at the iconic LGBTQ+ venue, The Two Brewers, Clapham, from 7 pm to 9 pm. These sessions function as a queer acting lab, providing a safe space for LGBTQ+ performers of all abilities and experiences to explore queer material, develop characters and learn acting techniques alongside other fellow queer performers. The classes, which aim to foster community and personal growth for LGBTQ+ people in the performing arts, will be facilitated by Andrew Keates, along with special industry guests, priced at only £20 per session (£18 for Equity members) and includes a social event afterwards.

Luvvie

Luvvie will be a quarterly networking event launching at an iconic private member’s club in the West End for queer creatives to connect, collaborate, share ideas, and party. Bringing together creatives from all stages of their careers, whether emerging performers or legendary writers, and offering them a unique space for connection. With music by queer DJ Dom Topics and performances from West End and cabaret queer artists at each event, it promises to be the go-to meeting place for queer creatives at all stages of their careers in Soho.

OutStage

OutStage will be a seasonal showcase celebrating queer actors and writers through a selection of landmark LGBTQ+ scenes and monologues, alongside original new work as discovered and nurtured by attendees of Queer Theatre development initiatives. Directed by Artistic Director Andrew Keates, these nights will present a diverse range of performances that reflect the history and future of queer storytelling. And 50 tickets will be given away free to agents and casting directors to help discover LGBTQ+ talent. The first OutStage will be at the Two Brewers on Thursday, 24th October. Tickets are available here.

The Show People Podcast with Andrew Keates

The award-winning podcast dedicated to the UK theatre industry and those dedicated to their craft is set to return after being suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. Renowned for its in-depth interviews and candid conversations with leading theatre professionals, the podcast has already featured over 40 legendary guests.

Relaunching in late 2024, it will return as a monthly live show at the historic Nell of Old Drury pub opposite Drury Lane, offering audiences both in-person and around the world an intimate look at the journeys of theatre makers.

The Queer Laugh Lab

A scratch night where queer performers can showcase new work and develop their acts in a supportive environment. This is a platform for both emerging and established talent to experiment and refine their material, while fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the queer arts scene.

Queer Theatre Playwriting Festival

All of these initiatives will help fund plans for the Queer Theatre Playwriting Festival next year, where new work will be presented in front of audiences with a view to producing full-scale productions.

To book tickets to OutStage, 2B: Acting Classes for LGBTQ+ People, and to find out about all the other initiatives, please visit their website

@QueerTheatreUK