Queer Theatre Unveils Spring Season Featuring Sir Stephen Fry and New Writing

London’s award-winning LGBTQIA+ theatre and production company, Queer Theatre, unveils a bold new season of inspiring events, fostering a community of both emerging and acclaimed theatre makers. Dedicated to championing queer stories and cultivating the next generation of writers and creatives, the company continues to provide a vital platform where emerging voices can experiment and be heard in a space that is both artistically ambitious and unapologetically safe.

As part of Queer Theatre’s wider programme of activity, the Queer Play Reading Club welcomes a series of special guests this season with playwright Harry McDonald, Bush Theatre Young Company founding member Coral Wylie, and London-based playwright, lyricist and screenwriter Jake Brunger. In partnership with Nick Hern Books, each session offers a supportive space to celebrate queer playwriting. Writers are invited to share new work for open feedback, followed by a full-length published play reading, a relaxed discussion as well as a Q&A panel with the guest playwright, led by Queer Theatre’s Artistic Director, Andrew Keates. The first session will be held at the newly refurbished Upstairs at The Railway. Attendees will also receive a copy of the play text, giving them the opportunity to build their own library of queer writing thanks to Nick Hern Books.

Kicking off the season will be Harry McDonald with his play Foam on Tuesday 21st April. Inspired by a true story and following Nicky’s journey into far-right extremism across twenty years against the backdrop of London’s skinhead and gay scenes of the 70s and 80s, the play was first staged at the Finborough Theatre in 2024. On Tuesday 19th May, Coral Wylie presents their sell-out debut production Lavender, Hyacinth, Violet, Yew a witty and beautiful play about nineteen-year-old Pip reconnecting with themselves through gardening, that premiered at the Bush Theatre in 2025, after being shortlisted for the Alfred Fagon Award. On Tuesday 16th June, the group will dive into Jake Brunger’s provocative comedy Four Play that explores the shifting dynamics of an open relationship, having first been presented at The Old Vic and Theatre503 and later revived at the King’s Head Theatre in 2025. The next upcoming play in March is The Last Stand of Mrs. Mary Whitehouseheld by Caroline Bird on Tuesday 17th March.

As part of Queer Theatre’s wider programme and named in honour of patron Sir Stephen Fry (Blackadder; A Bit of Fry & Laurie; The Importance of Being Earnest, West End), Luvvie: Gods and Monsters will launch on Friday 8th May, inviting guests to celebrate the queer community in Greek mythology–inspired costume. Building on Queer Theatre’s vibrant networking events, this new regular cabaret club night creates a dynamic meeting point for LGBTQIA+ creatives and allies, bridging the gap between West End performers and grassroots theatre-makers and fostering connection across London’s theatrical landscape, from Fringe to West End. The evening will also feature an industry auction with all proceeds supporting the continued development of the powerful production company.

Sir Stephen Fry comments, 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. Maybe that’s what appealed to me about them when I was a child, and why I then later went on to write four books about Greek myths. Because they always contained this sort of juice, this sexiness, this ambivalence, this freedom of thought and sexuality, which, frankly, when I was growing up was a rare thing. But I didn’t grow up at the time of Queer Theatre. I wish I had! I do hope you’ll look at the program and support this amazing venture.

For those seeking connection beyond party spaces, Queer Theatre responds to its growing community with Walk & Talk, a new outdoor initiative offering a sober and supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ creatives and allies. Designed to nurture positive mental and physical wellbeing, these monthly hikes provide space to recharge, build community and connect in the English countryside, beginning at Box Hill on Saturday 25th April, followed by Leith Hill on Saturday 23rd May and Arundel Park on Saturday 27th June. During the colder months, the programme continues with museum visits, including an LGBTQIA+ tour of Tate Britain on Saturday 7th March, ensuring year-round opportunities to form community.

Alongside this ambitious programme, the company’s much-loved showcase events return, reaffirming Queer Theatre’s commitment to platforming bold new voices and strengthening its creative community. On Wednesday 25th March, OutCast: Spring Showcase brings together a dynamic mix of emerging artists and established performers to share new and unseen work, with complimentary tickets offered to agents, casting directors and directors. Then on Friday 19th June, Queer Theatre will host a Summer Variety Night delivering an exuberant celebration of drag, stand-up and musical theatre, creating a joyful space for artists and audiences to gather in a spirit that is both creatively ambitious and unapologetically queer.

This new season runs alongside Queer Theatre’s ongoing LGBTQIA+ Acting Classes, held every Monday at The Two Brewers, and a presence at Pride events throughout the year. The company also continues its regular collaboration with Alasdair Buchan (The Mousetrap, West End; Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain,Birmingham Stage Company) for Shakespeare Masterclass as part of this offering, exploring the works of Shakespeare through a distinctly queer lens.

Further special guests will also be announced later this year for the UK’s leading theatre podcast, The Show People Podcast, including on-stage and screen star Jack Holden (KENREX, The Other Palace; Marriage, BBC One), with more acclaimed names to follow. Hosted by award-winning director and Queer Theatre Artistic Director Andrew Keates, previous guests on the podcast have included Stephen Fry, Ian McKellen, Annette Badland, David Bedella, Marina Sirtis, Stephen Mear OBE, Peter Polycarpou and Cassidy Janson, alongside a host of Olivier and BAFTA-winning performers and creatives.

Main Image: Andrew Keates, Sir Stephen Fry, credit to Boyan Georgiev

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