Queer men over 40 gather around a long table for a participatory performance process that includes shows, discussions, readings, torch songs, and interventions. Illuminated by candlelight, deep in the Tina Triangle, Rat Park serves as a live magazine discussion show combined with an artistic performance lineup.
Rat Park is a live magazine event that combines elements of a variety show
The event is hosted by Scottee, along with the Gay Liberacé Front on the piano.
You are invited to take part in the creation of the live shrines being created on Rat Park´s main stage by the artist Robin Fucking Whitmore.
There are weekly performances from Rat Park artists-in-residence Neil Bartlett, Rhyss’ Piece’s and Zack Mennel.
The weekly guests include writers, artists, health workers, sex workers, geezers, divas, poets, DJs, club promoters, dragsters and experts on the homosexual situation.
Rat Park addresses the current chemsex crisis in London
At its core, this event focuses on a public discussion about personal topics related to the sex lives of gay men, trans women, trans men, and other members of the queer community you may encounter on various apps.
Rat Park prioritizes the voices of middle-aged individuals and older queer folks, but everyone is welcome to participate.
The event aims to explore themes of intimacy, pleasure, addiction, cruising, and shame. It addresses the current chemsex crisis in London, a topic that is often hidden and rarely discussed in public forums. This gathering serves as an experiment in tackling sensitive issues that are significant to our lives.
The event will last four hours, including breaks, and is intended for adults only (18+). It is a sober space, and dogs are allowed. There will be free jacket potatoes, free hot drinks and free cake.
Rat Park takes place very Saturday in February at a Secret Venue in Vauxhall, 4 pm – 8 pm
BLOOD Saturday 1 February
Participants include Kell w Farshéa, Asad Zafar, Ignacio Labayen de Inza with live songs from Frank Bertoletti
TEARS Saturday 8 February
Participants include Kit Green, Jim Warboy, Marc Thompson with live songs from Kit Green
PISS Saturday 15 February
Participants include Ajamu, Keith Jarrett, Jackson King with live songs from David McAlmont
SPUNK Saturday 22 February
Participants include Stewart Who, Jamie HP and Julian Yang with live songs from Shirley Bassey
Rat Park is an experimental community arts event, not a therapy programme
The organisers of Rat Park have produced a safety document to help you understand the Rat Park event and help ensure you have a safe and comfortable time. Read it here.
Tickets for Rat Park
Rat Park is particularly relevant to the lives of gay and bisexual men, trans women, trans men, and nonbinary individuals who are somewhat gay, but everyone is welcome. Tickets are £15, get them here.
Entrance for £10 if you earn less than £20,000 per year, book here
Rat Park is the subject of a feature in The Guardian.