A run-down of some of the best gay events happening in London in 2020, from theatre and film, to exhibitions and parties.
Now Playing
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! And now starring David Hasselhoff!
Book tickets to 9 to 5 The Musical
Venue: Savoy Theatre, Strand, London, WC2R 0ET (Info)
Until 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)
February 2020
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)
20 February – 17 May 2020
EXHIBITION: Masculinities – Liberation through Photography
A major new exhibition at the Barbican that explores through the medium of film and photography how masculinity has been coded, performed, and socially constructed from the 1960s to the present day. Examining depictions of masculinity from behind the lens, the Barbican brings together the work of over 50 international artists, photographers and filmmakers including Laurie Anderson, Sunil Gupta, Rotimi Fani-Kayode, Isaac Julien and Catherine Opie.
Venue: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS (Info)
March 2020
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)
June 2020
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)