Gay movie theatre

There's no profession like show business!!!

When we're visiting London, we can never resist the chance to see a performance. We see it as one of the most exceptional highlights for LGBTQ+ visitors in London. Primarily, it's the theater hub of Europe, with countless performances unfolding all over the area at any given time. There is an excess of options available ranging from musicals to performances, spectacular plays to stand-up, and dance displays to operas.

Although, if you (just like us) prefer something somewhat flamboyant, or with an LGBTQ+ theme, then you should visit one of these queer theaters, most of which enjoy the benefit of being situated in and around the Soho LGBTQ+ scene of London.

We have provided both exclusively queer theaters and comedy spots, along with those that happen to be quite accommodating and while they aren't particularly 'gay theaters' per se, they routinely center LGBTQ+ narratives and voices. For a more wild evening out in the capital city, our guide to the most fabulous gay clubs in London has got your back, as our Mighty Hoopla LGBTQ+ festival guide does as well. For those seeking more celebration information, we also have our LGBTQ+ London occasions and festival guide.

Where would one station oneself in London?

To be nearest to the city's biggest theaters, the West End and Soho are your optimal bet. This is where we opt to lodge. If not, we suggest going to Vauxhall or Elephant & Castle, where a considerable amount of the city's LGBTQ+ society is based – anticipate that your Grindr will malfunction out here &128578; More information on this can be found in our guide to the greatest gay hotels in London.

If you're watching the budget, we suggest investigating the most reasonably priced gay bed and breakfasts in London that we've made a list of and given a rating to.

Royal Vauxhall Tavern

The Royal Vauxhall Tavern is among the oldest theaters within London, and it is greatly devoted to providing a safe location for the LGBTQ+ society. Preceding the legalization of homosexuality within the UK, this served as a gathering place for gay men and women in private, and it is also believed that Freddie Mercury covertly brought Princess Diana here while disguised in male drag throughout the 90s!

While you'll discover plenty of theatrical performances to revel in, the RVT happens to be synonymous with drag for the reason that 80s and the theater became the initial venue given Grade II listed structure recognition because of its contribution to LGBTQ+ history. This is where Paul O'Grady commenced his career in drag, changing into the renowned Lily Savage. Additional noteworthy artists that have made appearances here are the late Dame Edna Everage and Myra DuBois. 

This spot puts on various occasions and performances all days of the week, and so even if drag is not to your liking, you will surely discover some thing of great interest to you. The roster of events includes a blend of panto to live performances, musicals to stand-up comedy, and dance acts. Performers that have formerly graced this establishment's stage include Bucks Fizz, Belinda Carlisle, Liberty X and S Club 7!

The Royal Vauxhall Tavern can be located at 372 Kennington Lane in Vauxhall (specifically at the Vauxhall station) and remains accessible seven days a week. On weekdays it's accessible from 7 in the evening until midnight, on Fridays there's an early performance from 6 in the evening to 9 in the evening and afterward a club evening from 10 in the evening until 4 in the morning, Saturdays it's accessible 9 in the evening – 4 in the morning and on Sundays from 4 in the evening up to 11 in the evening.

The Glory

The Glory counts as one of the coolest LGBTQ+ locations around London, but it's additionally a fantastic stage space! It's an entirely queer spot, managed by queer people, and almost every evening of the week has something on, whether it's a cabaret performance, a comedy performance, a dance club night, or possibly a queer art association.

Famous London drag artists Johnny Woo and John Sizzle share the honor of owning The Glory, with legendary party starter Colin Rothbart. As well as frequent drag and disco evenings, The Glory additionally stages two outstanding drag contests: LIPSYNC1000 and MAN UP – a drag king combat! LIPSYNC1000 is, certainly, a fierce drag lip sync competition, regarded as among the most significant and most discussed in London.

One can easily come to The Glory any night of the week for a cozy queer atmosphere, party through the weekends, and experience live performances, however, they likewise carry their performances on the road all around the UK. Glory shows can be enjoyed at Sink the Pink's Mighty Hoopla festival, Glastonbury, and the Edinburgh Fringe.

The Glory has its location at 281 Kingsland Road, situated in close proximity to the Haggerston overground station. It stays open seven days a week originating from 5 in the evening – 11 in the evening on Mondays, 5 in the evening to midnight Tuesday through Thursday, 5 in the evening to 3 in the early morning on Fridays and Saturdays, and originating from 2 in the evening – 11 in the evening on Sundays.

King's Head Theatre

The King's Head Theatre, first opened in nineteen seventy, is among London's earliest pub theaters, to be found in an old boxing area and pool hall in the rear section of the King's Head Pub. The pub has a traditional, cozy feel to it, especially during the cold season with the backdrop of a roaring fireplace to meet with friends over a beer.

The theater's creative policy is joyous, irreverent, vibrant and queer, that means many kinds of shows can be appreciated that encompass the entire array of sensations represented by the rainbow flag. You're sure to locate some thing entertaining irrespective of what you enjoy, varying from plays to musicals, opera to cabaret, drag and comedy.

The yearly Queer Season takes place in summer, and with so many outstanding choices you will possibly find it hard to simply pick a small number to see. Our advice? Go observe as many performances as possible!

The King's Head Theatre has its location at 115 Upper Street, around a ten-minute stroll originating from Angel tube station. Take a look at the What's On webpage on their website for times and dates of particular performances.

Soho Theatre

The Soho Theatre is among the most busy venues in London, with three unique stages displaying six different performances per evening and is placed in the hub of gay Soho! This is a really LGBTQ+ friendly theater, with lots of queer content to delight in, such as the View Upstairs, which was basically a love message for the queer community set in a gay location.

A substantial number of different genres and artists can be found here by means of three unique areas, with a year-round festival selection of theater, comedy, and cabaret. The Soho Theatre focuses on promoting new works and rendering upcoming performers an area to introduce their work. Everything at the Soho Theatre includes a little bit of a punk, counter-culture, queer essence, and it's something that we love!

Along with the three main stages, there's also a fun bar at the Soho Theatre to acquire a drink either before or after viewing a performance. A brand new offshoot Soho Theatre is additionally slated to open within Walthamstow, East London; on top of that, you can often take in shows introduced by the Soho Theatre as far afield as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in Australia, or the Edinburgh Fringe.

The primary Soho Theatre is to be found at 21 Dean Street inside Soho (a brand new venue is additionally beginning in Walthamstow soon). The Soho Theatre Bar remains accessible from 10 in the morning up until 1am Monday to Friday and originating from midday on Saturdays. Take a look at the What's On page to view dates and times for upcoming performances!

The Queer Comedy Club

Since the year of twenty twenty-three, you'll also find a brand new permanent LGBTQ+ comedy location in London, where you can have a good laugh with some top queer comedians from within the society. Three queer comedians, Kate Dale, Jeremy Topp, and David Ian, recognized the demand for a devoted, permanent area for queer audiences and artists in the London comedy stage and thus created The Queer Comedy Club.

The Queer Comedy Club aims to showcase both well-known comedians and furnish a safe setting for rising acts to hone their skill. In addition, it's a straight-friendly location, with the “Not Totally Queer Comedy Club” appearing on Tuesdays. Likewise, if you're looking to cleanse your palate in between hilarious comedy evenings, there are nights of poetry and spoken word performances and queer improv performances!

A substantial number of queer comedians likewise schedule the venue to work on brand-new routines that they wish to film for TV, take on tour, or carry to Edinburgh Fringe, apart from regular performances. Consequently, it provides a great way to enjoy new material and help the comedian find out what's effective. Numerous shows at the Queer Comedy Club are often no cost or low cost, therefore it is a superb option for a low-priced evening out as well.

The Queer Comedy Club has its location downstairs at 114 Junction Road inside Archway, situated about a five-minute stroll from Tufnell Park or Archway tube stations. Just about every night of the week has a unique show, so have a look at the What's On webpage to see what you would like to go to.

Brixton House Theatre

Brixton House opened up in the midst of Brixton as a brand new purpose-built area in the year of twenty twenty-two, initially named Ovalhouse Theatre. Ovalhouse served as a groundbreaking and inclusive theater area in the nineteen sixties for traditionally marginalized performers, authors, and artists, local youths, and community members. It turned out to be essential to the advancement of lesbian, gay, and women’s movie theater through the sixties, seventies, and eighties.

Today, Brixton House seeks to continue building upon that heritage, by offering safe spaces for “artists throughout the LGBTQI+ society and beyond, to authentically create and fearlessly share their voices with audiences keen to hear their stories.” The brand new theater space includes a café and bar which furthermore doubles as a place for exhibitions, seven studios, and two stages while being totally accessible.

You can even take part in a range of classes, workshops, or even behind-the-scenes tours at Brixton House, along with plenty of intriguing performances to go to. We furthermore take pleasure in how many community programs they run for local youths to get involved with the creative arts or learn skills for creative careers.

Brixton House has its location in the middle of Brixton at 385 Coldharbour Lane which is a short distance on foot from Brixton train and tube station. Their hours are weekdays from 8 in the morning - 10.30 in the evening, Saturdays from 9 in the morning to 10.30 in the evening and Sundays from 9 in the morning to 6 in the evening. Go to the What's On page for specifics about upcoming performances!

The Vaults

The Vaults are without a doubt one of the coolest alternative artistry locations in London, situated in a maze of railway arches that were (formerly) disused below Waterloo Station. Considering its status as a house for ‘alternative artistry', one can frequently discover LGBTQ+ centered shows here, as their goal involves cooperating and conspiring, by adopting performers originating from all avenues of life.

According to what it actually says on their webpage, they attempt to champion “unsung voices, especially those of the LGBTQ+ society,” which is certainly something great to observe. You can regularly find immersive dining encounters, comedy shows, and movie theater shows in all sorts of genres next door to the celebrated graffiti tunnel of Leake Street; this is where The Vaults frequently puts on shows.

There's also a really cool bar connected to The Vaults, which happens to be called Vaulty Towers and which furthermore puts on a range of fun occasions which include pub quiz evenings, comedy performances, and DJs. Surely, good food and drinks can be appreciated here, whether you have been to a performance inside The Vaults (or are planning to go)!

The Vaults are placed on Leake Street down below the railway only a couple of steps originating from Waterloo Station. The bar is accessible daily from midday up until 10 in the evening – midnight however be certain to check the What's On webpage to view specifics of upcoming performances.

The Yard

The Yard is an award-winning theater in London, located inside a converted warehouse within Hackney Wick, which happens to be devoted to staging brand-new plays, and often includes those starring and by queer artists. The Yard stages regular music occasions for the LGBTQ+ society along with creative programs for local youths along with theater, and it hosts the T-Boys Club and Nite Dykez.

The work that they do with and for youths is excellent here, with the Black Excellence at Nighttime group along with a varied selection of art and theater programs, and with the truth that those younger than twenty-six can grab any unsold tickets to performances for only five pounds. They additionally furnish a program for individuals aged eighteen to twenty-five aiming to establish careers inside Events Technician management and movie theater.

You will find a cool bar connected to The Yard, and it's a beautiful place to socialise and also to have a drink either before or after viewing a performance, although it remains accessible only when performances are taking place. Try to view the yearly NOW festival, which exhibits five weeks of brand-new writing and constantly has a hefty LGBTQ+ leaning, when possible.

The Yard has its location at Unit 2a Queen's Yard, merely a short walk originating from Hackney Wick tube station. To get show times and specifics for certain occasions, take a look at the What's On page.

Arcola Theatre

The Arcola Theatre is to be found within the Hackney borough, inside a former paint factory and hosts a multitude of community movie theater organizations such as the Queer Collective. Arcola, which we are definitely here for, is devoted to creating diverse, contemporary, and daring movie theater in the center of East London! The Queer Collective focuses on exploring queer identity and how to showcase it theatrically, and that means this is where you can do this in the event that you have actually intended to dip your toe into the realm of movie theater.

Other community movie theater groups situated at the Arcola Theatre feature groups concentrating on Turkish/Kurdish voices, women, residents over the age of fifty, and psychological well being. Radical productions of classic opera are showcased alongside experimental and brand-new works, and the movie theater also is the place where the yearly Grimeborn Opera Festival transpires.

The Arcola Theatre has acquired a status for exhibiting works that explore substantial social and political concerns, as well as for its dedication to sustainability. The movie theater has furthermore put into action a number of environmentally friendly endeavors, such as using renewable energy resources, recycling materials, and endorsing sustainable transport possibilities for staff and audiences. We like to witness it!

The Arcola Theatre can be located at 24 Ashwin Street, midway between the Dalston Kingsland and Dalston Junction train stations. For specifics about upcoming performances, take a look at the What's On page.

Camden People's Theatre

The Camden People's Theatre (CPT) is an acclaimed small-scale movie theater situated in the center of Camden that devotes itself to exhibiting experimental and innovative works, specifically those produced by rising artists.

The programming at Camden People's Theatre often analyzes social and political themes, targeting concerns that resonate with modern society. A number of productions tackle themes like activism, sexuality, gender, diversity, and identity. Their Come As You Are celebration in the year of twenty seventeen renowned gender-queer and trans work, and they go on to host lots of feminist and queer movie theater.

The Camden People's Theatre furthermore hosts regular occasions and festivals throughout the year, besides its mainstage shows. These can include networking opportunities, workshops, panel talks, work-in-progress showings, and scratch evenings. Through these platforms, the movie theater earnestly promotes artists in the experimentation and development of their work.

Camden People's Theatre has its location at 58-60 Hampstead Road, which is a short stroll from Warren Street tube station. For specifics of upcoming shows, take a look at their What's On page.

The Pleasance Theatre London

The Pleasance serves as a development hub, a London theater and a Festival Organisation, and includes three permanent stage areas in London as well as Edinburgh. The Pleasance Theatre is notable for its vibrant and diverse programming. It hosts a large number of shows, which includes improv, stand-up comedy, revivals, brand-new works, dance, and physical movie theater. The Pleasance has a certain concentrate on encouraging and showcasing rising talent, and it actively encourages artists to experiment with their work and take risks.

The Pleasance Theatre is associated with the yearly Pleasance Edinburgh Festival Fringe which occurs in the course of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August, aside from its regular performance schedule. The Pleasance venues within Edinburgh host many shows, by attracting artists and audiences originating from all over the world. On the other hand, considering that a great number of artists work on their shows at the London movie theater to get ready for the Fringe season, it is not essential to travel to Edinburgh to undergo a taste of the Fringe magic.

Pleasance London features three stage areas – Downstairs, The Studio, and the Cabaret Main House – in addition to a buzzing bar and outdoor courtyard to revel in either before or after shows.

The Pleasance Theatre within London is placed in Islington at the Carpenter Mews, North Road, near the Caledonian Road tube station. To find out what is upcoming, go to the What's On page.

Park Theatre London

If it fits Sir Ian perfectly then we will certainly approve of it!

Park Theatre, which has its location within Finsbury Park, counts as a notable theater. It has swiftly evolved into a significant cultural hub within the city's movie theater scene and started operations in twenty thirteen (thanks to support of both Sir Ian McKellen and the late Alan Rickman). Melli Bond and Jez Bond created the movie theater with the goal of presenting a platform for high-quality and diverse theatrical productions.

They have without a doubt been successful in that wish as the Park Theatre is notable for its eclectic and diverse programming. It displays a mix of contemporary and classic plays, together with brand-new works by recognized and rising playwrights. The movie theater's repertoire encompasses a large number of themes and genres, including socially engaged pieces that explore substantial social and political concerns, comedy, drama, musicals.

Queer productions that have taken place here involve a run of Animal, which is about a gay disabled man looking for romance, and Papercut, about a gay American soldier returning from Afghanistan, which is currently in the show.

Park Theatre has its location at 13 Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park. Either Arsenal or Finsbury Park is the nearest train station, both a short-ish distance by foot originating from the movie theater. Have a peek at their What's On page to schedule your own visit.

The Other Palace Theatre

The Other Palace Theatre isn't advertised as a ‘queer theater' though it regularly features performances or queer shows having an LGBTQ+ leaning – for instance Heathers The Musical! Though it isn't specifically a gay musical, it provides a really extravagant feel to it and also there is one big gay moment when two murdered football players have been framed as gay lovers. Their respective fathers chastise the other for having behaved homophobic while their children remained alive during their funeral. Subsequently, they sing a song concerning their love for their dead gay sons and this results in them confessing their love for the other person. It is more hilarious than it sounds, trust us!

Additional upcoming queer performances involve "Fury and Elysium" – a Jewish and queer musical about revolution, decadence, and transgression within Berlin, a play about famous LGBTQ+ icon Julie D’Aubigny, a musical biography of Alan Turing, as well as some fantastic queer Edinburgh Fringe preview shows. As if that isn't sufficient, there is a fantastic bar named The Other Gin Palace, which serves as one of the very most fashionable areas in Victoria.

Musical theater could be its devotion and the majority of us LGBTQ+ individuals are huge fans of extravagant musicals, and the Other Palace Theatre may not be a distinctively queer area, right? In addition, it has garnered a number of accolades, most notably Most Accessible Theatre within the twenty nineteen BroadwayWorld UK Awards and Best Off-West End Theatre in twenty twenty-two.

You can find The Other Palace Theatre around the corner from Buckingham Palace (therefore the name!) at 12 Palace Street. The hours of The Other Gin Palace are Tuesdays - Saturdays starting at 10 in the morning up to 11 in the evening (11.30 in the evening on Saturday nights), on Sundays between 11 in the morning – 6 in the evening, and on Mondays for two hours before scheduled performances.You can observe What's On here.

Bonus: The Peacock Theatre for Everybody's Talking About Jamie!

The Peacock Theatre is presently displaying the outstanding queer musical Everybody's Talking About Jamie and functions as a component of the Sadler's Wells group of theaters.

Jamie New can be described as a sixteen-year-old schoolboy that dreams about transforming into a drag artist. Jamie has his eyes set on sporting a wig, high heels, and a pair of lashes, after which executing in front of a crowd, while all of his classmates consider becoming models, TV stars, or soccer players.

Everybody's Talking About Jamie follows his journey, while he efforts to break free from his Northern English town, and abandon the naysayers and bullies, so as to grow to be the next drag superstar. It's a splendidly moving piece of movie theater which focuses on being yourself and searching for a location where one belongs.

To commemorate Seb's birthday, we went together to see Everybody's Talking About Jamie and reached witness the incredible Bianca Del Rio undertake the character of Loco Chanelle (a drag coach to Jamie), together with Faye from Steps (who has been cast as Jamie's teacher). It had been such an exciting night, and also the audience was ablaze! We wept. We danced. We laughed. We enjoyed among the greatest evenings at the movie theater. Not to mention, we've not been able to stop listening to the soundtrack on Spotify from that time!

You will find the Peacock Theatre at Portugal Street, close to the Holborn tube station. Have a look at the What's On page for more details.