The best LGBTQIA+ gay theatre shows and gay plays in London can be found at the following venues and if you’d like to purchase theatre tickets then please click on the link to the Theatre where you’ll find theatre tickets.
Best Gay LGBTQ Queer Theatre in London for April 2024 onwards:
Coming Clean at Turbine Theatre, 21 March – 20 April 2024.
Tony and Greg live in Kentish Town. It’s 1982, and they’ve been together for five years. They have the perfect relationship with love figured out. They’re in a committed relationship but with room for a bit of sex on the side whenever they fancy it – with only one rule: Never sleep with the same man twice. When gorgeous cleaner Robert walks into their lives, the fragile foundation of their sexual contract is thrown into jeopardy. Funny, fresh and packed with razor-sharp wit, Kevin Elyot’s landmark drama questions the nature of fidelity and the limits of love. Coming Clean won Kevin Elyot a Samuel Beckett Award.
Turbine Theatre, Arches Lane, Circus West, London SW11 8AB, United Kingdom.
GISELLE: REMIX at the Pleasance Theatre, 10 – 27 April 2024.
An anarchic, punk-reimagining of the classic ballet that returns after a sell-out premiere at the Royal Opera House. Subverting this timeless story of lust, love, revenge, redemption, and forgiveness in a mix where art meets warehouse cabaret meets pop concert extravaganza. Featuring cabaret excellence and drag divinity, staggering choreography and jaw-dropping lipsyncs. Created in collaboration with dancers from The Royal Ballet and performed to a soundtrack of queer icons. Lavinia Co-op, Kit Green and Jonny Woo are special guest stars. In this retelling, Giselle is a hopeless romantic, raised on a diet of Julia Roberts and Drew Barrymore 1990s rom-coms, who comes to realise that the real world of queer sex and hookups is a far cry from Hollywood’s happily-ever-after. What follows is a journey through shame, assimilation, anger, acceptance and finally, liberation and joy. Use code GISELLE20 for 20% off full-price tickets (excluding 10, 12 & 20 April).
Pleasance Theatre (Main House), Carpenters Mews, North Road, London N7 9EF, United Kingdom.
F**king Men at Waterloo East Theatre, 13 April – 26 May 2024.
In a time when technology and growing acceptance of homosexuality have made it easier than ever to find meaningless, no-strings sex, do gay men yearn for more fulfilling connections, or can these emotionless encounters be incorporated into a healthy and balanced life? In a raw and updated version, Tony-winning writer Joe DiPietro takes a look at the experiences of contemporary gay men as we navigate our conflicting desires for the comfort of monogamous love and the thrill of sexual freedom. Following ten men through several erotic encounters, this dramatic comedy is a funny, fascinating, and provocative story of sex, love, and connection. Five and four-star reviews: All That Dazzles, Theatre Weekly, The Recs, Broadway World, Box Office Radio, The Reviews Hub, West End Best Friend, Theatre and Arts Reviews, and Lost in Theatreland.
Waterloo East Theatre, Brad Street, London SE1 8TN, United Kingdom.
Futuristic Folktales at The Place Theatre, 18 April 2024.
Mclean’s work explores the story of the first womb through experimental dance, music, and theatre. The show features music from trans musician Malin Lewis and disabled, trans writer Nelly Kelly. Deeply felt and intimate, the show sees two performers birth and unbirth each other – asking us what exactly we’d dance and move for if asked to dance for hope? This is a radical and emotive exploration of reproductive justice and injustice, body politics, bodily autonomy, and identity. “Exhilarating… jaw-droppingly bold and clever show.”– The Scotsman. Image Credit: Amy Sinead Photography – Design: Gallusness.
The Place Theatre, 17 Duke’s Road, London WC1H 9PY, United Kingdom.
Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story at King’s Head Theatre, 18 April – 5 May 2024.
Following a sold-out and award-winning run at the Edinburgh Fringe. You probably know the story of Diana. But do you know their story of Diana? We doubt it. Join Diana in heaven as she shares the untold and untrue story of her life. Combining audience interaction, drag, multimedia, puppetry and a lot of queer joy, this is a unique celebration of the people’s princess, and it is as hilarious as it’s tasteless. A show from the harbingers of theatrical chaos Awkward Productions (Gwyneth Goes Skiing, how to live a jellicle life), written and performed by Linus Karp. Numerous awards and a multitude of 5 star reviews: “A masterclass”– The Skinny. “Perfectly imagined” – The National. “As poised and polished as it is anarchic and outrageous.” – London Theatre 1
King’s Head Theatre, Islington Square, 116 Upper Street, The Angel, London N1 1AB, United Kingdom.
Remembrance Monday at Seven Dials Playhouse, 23 April – 1 June 2024.
Julius and Connor are ideal husbands and have it all. They have the apartment, the careers, the bodies. All that’s missing is the cliché dog. But when flickering moments and distorted memories trap Julius in the replay of a particular Monday night, reality bends, leading Julius and Connor into the haunting grip of some terrifying truths. Remembrance Monday is by Michael Batten. His self-penned solo show Self Tape, in which he also starred, sold out its run at the King’s Head Theatre and earned an OFFIE nomination. The world premiere of Remembrance Monday stars Nick Hayes as Julius and Matthew Stathers as Connor, and is directed by Alan Souza.
Seven Dials Playhouse, 1A Tower Street, London WC2H 9NP, United Kingdom.
Pippin at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, 29 and 30 April 2024.
Heir to the Frankish throne, young prince Pippin searches for the secret to happiness and fulfilment – in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power. Finally, Pippin finds happiness not in the extraordinary but in the un-extraordinary moments of daily life. Tony Award-winning Broadway star of Shucked, Alex Newell, leads the impressive cast as Leading Player. They are the first openly non-binary performer to win a Tony Award in an acting category. As the show’s narrator, Newell performs many songs in almost every scene. While not specifically queer, Pippin’s story resonates with LGBTQ audiences. The show will be heard with a full live orchestra and choir.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine Street, London WC2B 5JF, United Kingdom.
Polly (The Heartbreak Opera) at Pleasance Theatre, 8 – 11 May 2024.
A riotous and radical adaptation of John Gay’s sequel to The Beggar’s Opera. The original music is inspired by Peaches, Britney, and Nina Simone. This fierce adaptation renews Polly, Gay’s gender-bending, anti-colonialist and proto-feminist ballad opera. Originally written in 1729, it was banned for the outrage it sparked. The show hilariously rips the text apart, re-writing Gay’s original satire to reflect the societal inequalities of the present day. This show brings new life to the 18th Century rom-com with techno, tracksuits and palm trees. In a tacky beach resort on a storm-hit island, we meet jilted brides, drag king politicians, a pregnant murderess, and a pirate boyband called Blazin’ Squid. It is a joyous battle cry and unashamed expression of female rage, of love, loss, and revenge. It’s a dark and absolutely hilarious night out. “Overwhelming fun” – Exeunt.
The Pleasance Theatre, 5 Carpenters Mews, North Road, London N7 9EF, United Kingdom.
GET OFF Katy Baird at Battersea Arts Centre, 8 – 25 May 2024.
Join Katy Baird for the London premiere of her fearless journey in pursuit of pleasure. Katy is a self-proclaimed hedonist and hot-mess who wants to explore the human need for distraction. Even though the human brain responds similarly to various pleasures, such as food, sex, drugs, and social media likes, Katy questions how much satisfaction we actually derive from all the things we consume. With her trademark humour and honesty, Katy gives us a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the depths of our desires and questions our autonomy in choosing where we seek them. Prepare for an evening that will challenge and captivate you, bringing us closer together. The show has received four-star reviews “messy, anarchic and very funny” by The Stage.captivating evening that brings us closer together. Four-star reviews. “Messy, anarchic and very funny” – The Stage. Image credit, jma photography.
Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, London SW11 5TN, United Kingdom
Thief at Stage Door Theatre, 22 – 25 May 2024.
This hard-hitting play by Líam Rudden is inspired by the vagabond playwright Jean Genet. Sailor thrives in the bars, dives and doss-houses of squalid ports. Look, you will see him. Sailor lives for robbery, imprisonment and expulsion. Be his victim. Sailor’s ‘virtues’ are simple: rent, theft, and betrayal. Join him. “Sensational… Ferocious… Acted with great intensity. A memorable hour of theatre.” – The Scotsman.
Stage Door Theatre, Prince of Wales Pub, 150-151 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5TD, United Kingdom.
PITCH at The Pleasance Theatre, 23 – 25 May 2024.
In the wake of the Qatar World Cup and when 30% of football fans say they’d find two men kissing at a match uncomfortable, PITCH is a bold, joyful exploration of football and the queer community. Hot off the back of its award-winning, offie-nominated Edinburgh Fringe run, November Theatre brings you a UK tour with a short run in London. PITCH blends documentary storytelling and devised theatre to investigate what it means to love the beautiful game. PITCH was inspired by the joy of making a queer group of friends while watching the Women’s Euros in 2022. It’s a show about community and made by our community. 5 Star reviews – “PITCH really has it all” – Theatre Scotland. “An inspirational piece of theatre that paints a picture of inclusivity” – The Stage.
The Pleasance Theatre, Main House, Carpenters Mews, North Road, London N7 9EF, United Kingdom
Premier LGBTQIA+ Gay Theatre In London:
VENUE CLOSED AboveTheStag Theatre London
An independent Charity and Theatre Company serving the LGBTQIA+ community and its supporters. It is the only designated queer theatre in London and is located in Vauxhall. It´s very convenient for after theatre drinks at one of the many gay venues in the area, so You have an excellent opportunity to make a night of it. The theatre is London’s delightful LGBT thespian oasis. A gorgeous corner of performance and campery, and they’re the only theatre in the UK that’s exclusively LGBT-focused! They also have a very nice bar so you can enjoy pre-theatre and interval drinks, plus bar snacks.
Best LGBTQI+ Gay Theatre London : Above The Stag Theatre
To purchase LGBT+ theatre tickets visit the QXTickets portal with links to theatre websites that are currently staging LGBT+ gay theatre London.
Best Gay Theatre In London : Above The Stag
The Soho Theatre London
Soho Theatre is one of the country’s busiest venues with a year-round festival programme of theatre, comedy and cabaret. There are six shows a night across three stages, with a very popular bar. The Theatre is based in the heart of gay soho and a very gay friendly theatre in the heart of Soho that includes a lot of queer theatre content in its programming. Tickets at The Soho Theatre
Soho-Theatre-Whats-On-LGBT
The Pleasance Theatre London
Located in Islington, The Pleasance Theatre has three production spaces. Mainhouse: Capacity 230. Downstairs: Capacity 75. Stagespace: Capacity 54. This Off-West End theatre welcomes artists at all stages of their careers with a commitment to new work that pushes boundaries. They stage several LGBTQ and gay theatre shows every year. Tickets at The Pleasance Theatre
Park Theatre London
Located very close to Finsbury Park station, Park Theatre describes themselves as a neighbourhood theatre with a global ambition. They focus on staging a mix of both new writing and modern revivals. This stunning playhouse aims to stage content that resonates and reflects the world around them and the neighbourhoods close by. Tickets at the Park Theatre
Kings Head Theatre
Located in Upper Street, Islington and established in 1970, The King´s Head was the first pub theatre to be founded since Shakepeare´s day. The pub is a cozy traditional Victorian pub and a great place to meet up. In the winter customers get to enjoy a roaring fire! The theatre is located at the back. This is the Theatre where Hugh Grant made his acting debut. The Theatre is firmly committed to equality and diversity in everything it does. It regularly stages LGBTQI+ gay theatre shows and will run a whole season of gay theatre in London. Tickets at The Kings Head Theatre
Brixton House Theatre
As they embark on a new journey as Brixton House, The team told QX, “we are proud to continue expanding on Ovalhouse Theatre’s renowned legacy for creating safe-spaces for artists across the LGBTQI+ community and beyond, to authentically create and fearlessly share their voices with audiences keen to hear their stories.” Tickets at Brixton House.
The Other Palace Theatre
A theatre situated 3 minutes for Victoria tube. There is a 300-seat Main Theatre space and a smaller Studio space that accommodates up to 120 people. They offer a varied programme of drama, musical theatre, cabaret and jazz. There is also an excellent restaurant and bar. Tickets at The Other Palace.
An Act of God. The Vaults CREDIT Geraint Lewis
The Vaults
London’s home for immersive theatre and alternative arts is set in a maze of disused railway arches under Waterloo Station and regularly puts on LGBTQ+ focused shows and gay plays in London. They are on a mission to inspire. Tickets at The Vaults
Southwark Playhouse
The Playhouse is 5 minutes from Borough Station in an area with excellent eateries. Described as quirky and classy at the same time (The Stage), the theatre has two distinctive theatre spaces. They seek to showcase the U.K.´s best up and coming talent, offering such talent the opportunity to present their first fully realised productions. Content focuses on reinterpreting classic plays and contemporary plays of note. Tickets at the Southwark Playhouse
The Donmar Warehouse
This is a 251-seat, not-for-profit theatre in Covent Garden, and they have won more than 100 awards in their 27-year history. They bring together a wide variety of people in an intimate warehouse space. For this theatre representation really matters. Tickets at The Donmar Warehouse
Other Theatres that stage excellent LGBTQIA+ gay theatre shows:
ICA
The Apollo Theatre : Everybody´s talking about Jamie
Charing Cross Theatre
Leicester Square Theatre
And many other fantastic gay theatres across London…
Please send press releases for LGBTQ+ gay plays in London and LGBTQ+ gay theatre London releases to [email protected]
Other sources of gay plays and gay theatre shows in London
Kings Head Theatre
