Celebrating queerness on our stages
This LGBTQ+ History Month, we’re taking a look back at some of the queer plays, characters, writers and events we’ve had the pleasure of performing and hosting in our theatres
Shakespeare is for all, and here at Shakespeare’s Globe, we’re proudly ensuring that remains so. We’re here to discover Shakespeare’s works – and that of other writers then and now – in all contexts. That’s how we’ll ensure the Bard remains popular and relevant for the next 400 years to come. This February we’re supporting LGBTQ+ History Month in a variety of ways, and first we’d like to take a look back and celebrate the queerness in our past work…
‘It feels important to see how far we’ve come since Edward II’s circumstances, and also Marlowe’s as well. When I think about the play, I feel like I’m in a direct line, starting with Edward II, the real guy, the real man, and then followed by Marlowe – what he was going through and what it took for him to have the courage to write his play during that time’
— Tom Stuart
★★★★
‘Genuinely revolutionary…simmers with queer rebellion. Isobel Thom makes a staggering debut as Joan.’
Whatsonstage
‘Incredible scenes @The_Globe tonight – dancing and singing in the foyer #AfterEdward. Adored this heartfelt, joyous and moving play’
‘#AfterEdward @The_Globe tonight: what a pocket of joy; glittery tears & LGBTQ+ legacy’
‘Standing ovation last night for #AfterEdward @The_Globe and rightly so. Tom Stuart has crafted a funny, weird, tender and joyous bit of theatre’
★★★★
‘Le Gateau Chocolat’s Feste, of course, dazzles in a gold-glitter gown’
Whatsonstage
‘We both have goosebumps and silent tears at the tragedy and hope of this love. It’s accurate to the coming out stories of so many of the people we hold dear’
— Ankur Bahl
The object and the pleasure of mine eye,
Is only Helenus. To [him], my lord,
Was I betrothed ere I saw Hermia;
But like a sickness did I loathe this food.
But, as in health come to my natural taste
— A Midsummer Night’s Dream