A run-down of some of the best gay events happening in London in autumn and winter 2018, from theatre and film, to exhibitions and parties.
VIEW AN UPDATED VERSION OF THIS EVENTS CALENDAR HERE >
September 2018
Now until 15 September:
THEATRE: Happy Ending
Written by Ronnie Larsen and directed by Andrew Beckett, Happy Ending is set in the world of gay masseurs. Full frontal nudity advised.
Venue: Above the Stag, 72 Albert Embankment, Vauxhall, London, SE1 7TP (Info)
Now until 16 September:
THEATRE: Next Lesson
Set in a South London school in 1988, Next Lesson tackles a young schoolboy coming out against the backdrop of the notorious Section 28 Local Government law. Written by Chris Woodley.
Venue: Above the Stag, 72 Albert Embankment, Vauxhall, London, SE1 7TP (Info)
Now until 14 October:
EXHIBITION: DRAG: Self-portraits and Body Politics
Free exhibition at the newly reopened Hayward Gallery on the Southbank, featuring the work of over 30 artists who have used drag to explore or question identity, gender, class and politics, from the 1960s to the present day. Artists include Pierre Molinier, Robert Mapplethorpe, Cindy Sherman and a host of new and emrging talent. There’s also a programme of tours accompanied by a programme of tours led by drag performers.
Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX (Info)
Now until 5 January 2019:
THEATRE: The Inheritance
Matthew Lopez’s epic new two-part play transfers from the Young Vic into the West End after a sell-out run, directed by Stephen Daldry (The Crown, Billy Elliot). Spanning multiple generations and interlinking lives of a group of gay friends, The Inheritance brilliantly transposes EM Forster’s ‘Howards End’ to 21st century New York. A large ensemble cast includes John Benjamin Hickey, Andrew Burnap, Paul Hilton, Samuel H. Levine, Kyle Soller and Vanessa Redgrave. The show is in two parts – which can be seen in one day or across two evenings.
Book tickets to The Inheritance Part 1
Book tickets to The Inheritance Part 2
Venue: Noel Coward Theatre, St Martin’s Lane, London, WC2N 4AA (Info)
Now until 27 January 2019:
EXHIBITION: Censored! Stage, Screen, Society at 50
A free exhibition at the V&A in their Theatre & Performance rooms that mark 50 years since the Theatres Act came into force, abolishing state censorship on the British stage. Also including film, print and music censorship, some queer gems include censorship notes for Joe Orton’s Loot, a display about Dirk Bogarde’s film Victim, and an original copy of 1981 book Jenny Lives with Eric and Martin which kicked off controversial law Section 28.
Venue: V&A, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL (Info)
12 September — 21 October:
THEATRE: EM Forster’s Maurice
James Wilby, the original star of Merchant Ivory’s classic movie adaptation of E.M. Forster’s Maurice, directs this new stage adaptation by Roger Parsley and Andy Graham.
Venue: Above the Stag, 72 Albert Embankment, Vauxhall, London, SE1 7TP (Info)
15 – 16 September:
PARTY: Sink The Pink Street Party
Massive weekend street party to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Sink the Pink in London and a glorious decade of Drag. The secret location will be revealed nearer the time, but doors open from 1pm.
Venue: TBC, check for details (Info)
October 2018
16 October – 24 November:
THEATRE: A Guide for the Homesick
Douglas Booth (Christopher and His Kind) and Clifford Samuel (McMafia) star in Ken Urban’s play about the bond shared – and secrets revealed – between two men in Amsterdam.
Book tickets to A Guide for the Homesick
Venue: Trafalgar Studios 2, 14 Whitehall London SW1A 2DY (Info)
28 October:
CONCERT: West End Bares
The theatre charity fundraiser from the Make a Difference Trust is back, and this year’s theme is “Top Off The Pops”! Promises to be a wild night, packed with your favourite, naked West End stars.
Venue: Shaftesbury Theatre, 210 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8DP (Info)
31 October – 24 November:
THEATRE: The Funeral Director
A Muslim funeral parlour owner is forced to confront her community, faith and hidden secrets when confronted by a gay man needing to organise his boyfriend’s funeral.
Venue: Southwark Playhouse, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London, SE1 6BD (Info)
November 2018
13 – 18 November:
FILM: Fringe! Queer Film & Arts Fest
Multi-venue Queer film fest in East London returns for another eclectic mix of movies.
Venue: Various, check for details. (Info)
27 November – 12 January 2019:
THEATRE: Mother Goose Cracks One Out!
Venue: Above the Stag, 72 Albert Embankment, Vauxhall, London, SE1 7TP (Info)
December 2018
15 December 2018:
CONCERT: Pink Singers Christmas Concert
Back for the festive season, London’s world famous Pink Singers sprinkle some Christmas cheer over the Cadogan Hall.
Venue: Cadogan Hall, Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 9DQ (Info)
