A run-down of some of the best gay events happening in London in Winter 2019 / 2020, from theatre and film, to exhibitions and parties.
Now Playing
Until 21 December 2019
THEATRE: Soho Cinders
George Stiles and Anthony Drewe’s love letter to Soho is back in town for 9 weeks only. This deliciously naughty update of the Cinderella fairy tale mixes politics, sex-scandals and true love into a camp and witty musical. Cast includes Luke Bayer (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie) and Millie O’Connell (Six).
Book tickets to Soho Cinders
Venue: Charing Cross Theatre, The Arches, Villiers Street, London WC2N 6NL (Info)
Until 16 February 2020
EXHIBITION: Mary Quant
The V&A mounts this major retrospective of British fashion designer Mary Quant, who launched a fashion revolution on the British high street. From miniskirts and hot pants to vibrant tights and makeup, this exhibition features over 200 garments and accessories, including unseen pieces from the designer’s personal archive.
Venue: V&A, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL (Info)
Now Playing:
THEATRE: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Inspired by a true story, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is the award-winning hit musical about a fearless sixteen year old who dreams of becoming a drag queen.
Book tickets to Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Venue: Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7ES (Info)
Now Playing:
THEATRE: 9 to 5 The Musical
Dolly Parton’s rollicking musical based on the classic movie has arrived in the West End for the first time – and it’s a crowd-pleaser! This smash-hit show features an original Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-nominated score by Dolly herself!
Book tickets to 9 to 5 The Musical
Venue: Savoy Theatre, Strand, London, WC2R 0ET (Info)
November 2019
11 – 23 November 2019
FESTIVAL: GFEST – Gaywise FESTival 2019
GFEST is back for its 12th year, featuring a programme of LGBTQI+ arts events including dance, drag, film screenings, art exhibitions, readings, comedy and talks.
Venue: Various (Info)
19 November 2019 – 11 January 2020
THEATRE: Pinocchio: No Strings Attached
Another riotous adult panto hits Above the Stag, with Geppetta – a lonely puppet maker, crafting herself a young gay man out of wood who has a peculiar affliction: whenever he tells a lie, something very embarrassing happens…
Venue: Above the Stag, 72 Albert Embankment, Vauxhall, London SE1 7TP (Info)
19 November – 22 December 2019
THEATRE: Sink the Pink presents Escape from Planet Trash
The Sink the Pink gang take up residency again at the pleasance for their bonkers new campy Christmas show, squeezing in drag queens, comedy, aliens, giant space spiders, and a live score!
Venue: Pleasance Theatre, Carpenters Mews, North Road, London, N7 9EF (Info)
29 – 30 November 2019
CONCERT: London Gay Men’s Chorus
This year’s Christmas concert from the fabulous London Gay Men’s Chorus is all about ‘Finding Home’, promising some rousing and emotional music alongside personal testimony and story-telling, all set within the beautiful Cadogan Hall.
Venue: Cadogan Hall, Sloane Square, London, SW1X 9DG (Info)
December 2019
15 – 29 December 2019
THEATRE: Cinderella
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Baga Chipz stars as the Wicked Stepmother, alongside Britain’s Got Talent icon Sheila Simmonds as the Fairy Godmother, in this dragged up, fierce and funny retelling of the classic panto.
Book tickets to Cinderella
Venue: Trafalgar Studios, Whitehall, London, SW1A 2DY (Info)
Forward Planning
8 January – 1 February 2020
THEATRE: Coming Clean
My Night with Reg writer Kevin Elyot’s play Coming Clean transfers into the West End, packed with Elyot’s trademark razor-sharp wit, about a gay couple who bend the rules of their sexual contract when a gorgeous man walks into their lives.
Book tickets to Coming Clean
Venue: Trafalgar Studios, Whitehall, London, SW1A 2DY (Info)
1 February 2020
EVENT: Winter Pride
One of London’s only big winter gay events, get down to the Scala for some Winter Pride fun.
Venue: Scala, 275 Pentonville Road, London, N1 9NL (Info)
18 – 29 March 2020
FESTIVAL: BFI Flare – London LGBTQ+ Film Festival
One of the world’s great LGBTQ film festivals, featuring an eclectic mix of big budget and indie queer films, including shorts and documentaries.
Venue: BFI Southbank, Belvedere Rd, Lambeth, London SE1 8XT (Info)
6 June 2020
FESTIVAL: Mighty Hoopla 2020
London’s queer – and hugely joyous and inclusive – pop extravaganza is back promising more big names and big fun in South London. Previous performers have included All Saints, Chaka Khan, Kate Nash, Bananarama and Liberty X.
Venue: Brockwell Park, London SE24 9BJ (Info)
27 June 2020
FESTIVAL: Pride in London – Parade
The parade kicks off in Central London at 12pm on 27 June, followed by a big LGBTQ+ celebration in Trafalgar Square and around the West End.
Venue: Central London, various (Info)
