After taking time to emotionally process the attack, Linus and his husband, Joseph, who is also his creative partner, are now transforming this traumatic experience into a live performance. This show requires Linus to relive the incident night after night in front of an audience. Despite the serious subject matter, the performance is also very funny. This marks the first time Linus has given a detailed interview about the experience, its long-term emotional impact, and how he and Joseph have crafted a show that is “funny, hopeful, and joyful.”

Hi Linus, thank you for taking the time out from your tour to speak to QX. Please tell us in your own words what happened on the day of the attack.

I was walking down Dean St in Soho on the evening of 23 July 2024. A man unknown to me struck me from behind with an umbrella with such force that the wooden handle fell off. He shouted that he would’ve killed me, and also called me and my partner rapists and paedophiles.

The attack happened in the middle of Soho. Did anybody come to your assistance?

My partner Joseph went after the man, tackled him to the ground and held him there until the police arrived – pretty hot, right?

There was also a couple having dinner next to where it happened who helped me – I wish I could say thank you!

Do you think that you were fully supported after the attack, both by the professionals and people in general?

I am grateful to Joseph and to friends and family after the attack. I had counselling, which made a real difference.

How did the criminal justice system treat you and do you think justice was served?

For the most part it was not a great experience, which I’ll go into more detail about in the show.

As it ultimately never made it to trial, there was never any justice served, whatever that would mean, and no resolution could come from it. Which is why I wanted to explore how I could find a resolution when real life doesn’t give one.

You’ve had some time to process the trauma, how have your emotions unfolded after the attack?

It’s been challenging at times. I find myself scared and feeling unsafe in ways I never had before. But also defiant – I will not let this event stop me from expressing queer joy at any opportunity given.

You said you have had unexpected feelings of sympathy for the man who attacked you. Were you trying to understand why he did it?

As a queer person, do you not at times feel sorry for anyone straight? Imagine never getting to be part of this community, never experiencing queer joy! It is also pretty clear that someone who commits an act like this isn’t having a healthy, happy, fulfilled existence.

What have the long-term effects been on you and Joseph, especially when it comes to being visibly queer in public, however that may manifest itself?

A therapist told me my symptoms are those of PTSD. When I am in a situation that reminds me of it in some form, or someone in public comes too close to me, I feel a wave of panic. I never used to be scared in public before. It’s been a challenge.

Do you think writing about and reliving the experience theatrically has been therapeutic?

Writing this was something I needed to do and it’s felt cathartic. I wanted to make sure the show itself, however, wasn’t therapy, but actually a worthwhile and entertaining story for others to enjoy. I think it’s become very funny while still being true to my experience.

Describe the process that allowed you to introduce humour into the show?

Humour is a coping mechanism for me. Joseph and I will always make jokes and laugh, even in times that are difficult. I also think that if anyone can joke about the homophobia I’ve experienced, it’s me.

What else can you tell us about the show?

I think it’s going to be very funny. Our shows have queer joy as a through line, and with this one more so than ever actually. Of course the show deals with a lot of serious topics, but ultimately I think it’s funny, hopeful and joyful.

Many LGBTQI+ people have been attacked. Some will be in your audience. What does the show have to say to them?

That you are not alone. I don’t think the show can find a clear explanation as to why anti-LGBT hate crimes have risen over 100% in five years, but it can raise questions while also creating a space for queer joy, frustration and resistance. I also share what I found helpful, and what I didn’t, after the attack.

Finally, what do you hope the audience in general will take away from “Linus Karp Was Hit With An Umbrella”?

I hope people will feel discouraged to hit a queer person with an umbrella.

Linus Karp Was Hit With An Umbrella plays Park Theatre, London, 23rd to 25th July, 8:30pm, information and tickets here: https://parktheatre.co.uk/events/linus-karp-was-hit-with-an-umbrella/

The show will then run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, performing from 5th to 30th August at Underbelly Bristo Square (Friesian) at 8:20pm. Tickets here: https://underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/event/linus-karp-was-hit-with-an-umbrella