Join Queer Theatre for an evening of new writing, shared reading and conversation as we explore Period Parrrty by Gayathiri Kamalakanthan.
Held in partnership with Nick Hern Books, our monthly Queer Play Reading Club celebrates LGBTQIA+ playwriting in a welcoming, relaxed, queer-run space.
We begin by sharing short extracts of our members’ own writing, giving writers the chance to hear their words brought to life and receive supportive feedback from a successful playwright and other writers and theatremakers. We then read a published play together, sharing roles around the room, before discussing it with Queer Theatre’s Artistic Director, Andrew Keates and our special guest.
Afterwards, we enjoy a drink and a chat in The Railway - Clapham’s Queer-run pub and you get to take home your own copy of the play, as well as make meaningful connections with other Queer people.
This month’s play: Period Parrrty
“'Is there even a word for "non-binary" in Tamil? How is Amma meant to get me, if I don't exist in her language?”
Krish is preparing for a Tamil coming-of-age celebration intended to mark their entry into womanhood. There’s just one problem: Krish isn’t a girl.
Caught between family expectations and their own sense of identity, Krish begins to imagine a celebration that makes room for who they actually are. With best friend Brenavee and a growing chosen family beside them, could this party become something worth celebrating?
Set in 2010 against the aftermath of the Tamil genocide, Period Parrrty brings together teenage romance, cultural identity and the search for belonging in a funny, tender story about making space for yourself.
Gayathiri Kamalakanthan’s play premiered at Soho Theatre in 2025, co-produced by Soho Theatre and Kali Theatre Company.
Itinerary
Doors Open from 6:30pm: For complimentary tea, coffee and snacks (other drinks available from the bar downstaris)
7pm: Meet and greet, share new writing and offer supportive feedback.
Later: Table-read this month’s play together, followed by a discussion facilitated by Andrew Keates.
Afterwards: Drinks and socialising until approximately 10:30pm/11pm.
The Railway, Clapham
18 Clapham High Street, London SW4 7UR
Nearest Tube: Clapham North, on the Northern line, or Clapham Common is also a short walk away.
Nearest Overground: Clapham High Street, directly opposite the venue.
Accessibility: The event takes place upstairs, in a space accessible only by stairs. If you have access questions, please contact us before booking so we can discuss your needs.
Sharing your writing
If you’d like us to read your work during the opening section, please bring an extract lasting no more than 5 - 10 minutes, allowing time for others to share. If you need copies of your excerpts printed, please email us in advance at info@queertheatre.co.uk and we’ll happily print for you. Please do not be offended if we may not have time to include everyone’s work on the night.
Important information
This is an informal table-read, rather than a staged performance. Members who wish to participate will share the reading, and roles may be read across gender, race, age, sexuality and lived experience. We approach the text and its characters with care and respect, and particularly welcome readers whose lived experiences reflect those of the characters to volunteer for those roles. By attending, you consent to Queer Theatre taking and using photography and video from the event for archive, press, marketing, website and social media purposes.
About Queer Theatre
We create spaces to nurture Queer creative talent and ensure you ever need spend a week alone ever again.
We do this with our weekly Acting Classes For LGBTQIA+ People, London’s OutCast Showcase of Queer Actors and Writing, Monthly Queer Play Reading Club, The Show People Podcast LIVE, Luvvie: The Party for Queer People in the Performing Arts, industry workshops, masterclasses, and many trips and adventures.
Our community welcomes experienced professionals to enthusiastic beginners and those looking for a creative spaces to belong. Shared passions, mutual respect, and support are at the heart of everything we do.