Starting this month, director Andrew Keates has launched Queer Theatre, a London-based LGBTQ+ theatre and production company, dedicated to telling LGBTQ+ stories and nurturing queer talent.
Plans are already in motion for a queer playwriting festival, artist showcases, scratch nights, comedy nights and LGBTQ+ networking events; profits will be used to produce and develop new plays and musicals focused on LGBTQIA+ stories.
Queer Theatre is the relaunch/rebrand of Arion Productions, Keates own production company formed in 2012, known for its critically acclaimed productions, including the London revival of As Is by William M. Hoffman the European premiere of Dessa Rose, Passing By by Martin Sherman and Howard Goodall’s A Winter’s Tale.
The company also produced the award-winning Show People Podcast, which is set to make a return later this year produced by Queer Theatre.
I wanted to find out more about Queer Theatre, so whizzed a few questions across.
The launch of Queer Theatre is really exciting! How did it all start?
A year ago, I woke up drugged, covered in burns, cuts, and bruises, and on the brink of a heart attack after being sexually assaulted.
This wasn’t the first time I found myself in such a dangerous situation with dangerous people—my relationship with sex, drugs, and alcohol had spiralled out of control. Desperation and humility led me to do the bravest thing I’ve ever done: I asked for help.
I attended countless support groups and explored various methods of recovery to get sober. I began dismantling my ego, confronting unhelpful behaviours, and finally facing years of unresolved trauma—other assaults, losses, and, most importantly, my own role in my mistakes—while working with the police and rebuilding my life.
This process revealed that what truly makes me happy is helping and working with other queer people, exploring our truths, identities, and issues, and using the performing arts to foster connection and growth, with the courage to be vulnerable and honest.
Queer Theatre has become my way of transforming those painful experiences into qualifications to help others and address the issues we face as a community.
It’s a platform where I can lead with authenticity and kindness, and where queer artists can come together to tell the stories that need to be told. I’ve found gratitude for the scars of my past, as they’ve shaped me into the Artistic Director I am today.
My experiences directing LGBTQ+ plays and collaborating with incredible queer artists made me recognize the need for a dedicated platform to nurture queer talent and foster solidarity.
Building on my previous work with Arion Productions, I took the leap to launch Queer Theatre, with a renewed focus on elevating LGBTQ+ voices, proudly telling our stories, and unashamedly nurturing queer talent.
Why is this company needed now, and what can we expect in its first few months?
So much of my own pain came from isolation. I was stuck behind a phone screen, miserably comparing my life to others who seemed to be doing so much with their lives and careers.
What I needed was to be in a rehearsal room or acting studio with people who inspire me, where I could foster trust and shared artistry.
All of Queer Theatre’s endeavours are about filling rooms with queer people and seeing how we can collaborate and create together. We need to stop fooling ourselves that the work we do in front of phones and screens is truly living.
In our first few months, you can expect a series of exciting initiatives, starting with our weekly acting classes at The Two Brewers in Clapham. We’re also planning quarterly networking events, queer artist showcases, scratch & comedy nights, and even a queer playwriting festival.
One of your main activities will be offering acting classes at The Two Brewers in Clapham. Can you tell us more about those?
The acting classes at The Two Brewers are something I’m particularly excited about. These sessions are designed to be more than just traditional acting classes—they’re a queer acting lab where performers of all abilities can explore their craft in a safe, supportive environment.
The Two Brewers is an iconic LGBTQ+ venue with a rich history, making it the perfect place to host these classes. Every Monday evening, we’ll come together to dive into queer material, develop characters, and learn new techniques.
It’s a space where failure is part of the process, and where we can all grow personally and professionally alongside fellow queer artists. The classes are as much about building community as they are about honing acting skills, and I can’t wait to see the magic that unfolds.
One thing that’s really needed now is a safe space for creative queer people to network and socialize. What are you planning in that area?
Later in the year, we’ll announce a quarterly networking event for LGBTQ+ creatives at an iconic London venue. We’re also hosting an exciting project that will bring inspiring theatremakers to audiences worldwide, along with several one-night-only events.
I’m passionate about creating events where queer people can safely express themselves, and where those who want to join our army of queer theatremakers can support the very venues that keep us safe every day. If we don’t—
How can people get involved with Queer Theatre?
There are so many ways to get involved! For theatremakers, the best first step is to join our mailing list at www.queertheatre.co.uk and follow us on social media (@QueerTheatreUK). This way, you’ll stay updated on all our upcoming events and opportunities.
We’re also always looking for passionate volunteers and collaborators who want to contribute to our mission. And of course, for those who are able, donating through our website is a fantastic way to support Queer Theatre as we build this new company.
Every contribution helps us create more opportunities for LGBTQ+ performers and tell more of our stories. We can’t wait to welcome more people into the Queer Theatre family!