OutCast: Winter Showcase
of Queer Actors and Writing 2025
Wednesday 26th February 2025 | Two Brewers, Clapham
On Wednesday 26 February 2025, Queer Theatre proudly launched OutCast, a bold new showcase of queer actors and LGBTQ+ writing, at the iconic Two Brewers, Clapham.
This landmark event marked the beginning of an annual series of showcases dedicated to amplifying diverse queer voices and stories. Directed by Queer Theatre’s Artistic Director and founder Andrew Keates, OutCast featured 24 performers — from seasoned professionals to emerging actors stepping onto a stage for the very first time.
Much of the cast came directly from Queer Theatre’s 2B: Acting Classes for LGBTQ+ People, which take place every Monday at The Two Brewers. These classes offer a vital safe space for LGBTQ+ actors to train, connect, and explore material that reflects their own experiences, with OutCast providing a platform to share their work with wider audiences.
The evening celebrated both new and rediscovered queer writing, offering a powerful mix of comedy, drama, and lived queer experiences, authentically performed by those who embody them.
The inaugural cast included Asahi Adachihara, Adrien Baudon, Emily Brandon, Harry Drane, Jamie Everson, Ben Everett Riley, Jacob Freda, Matthew Goodill, Santiago Guerra, Matthew Hodson, Avital Kagan, Paul Langan, Ben Lewis-D’Anna, Jordan McMahon, Shaun Northover, Oliver Atton-Higgins, Lisa Peters, George Prové, Josh Sanchez, Trevor Schoonraad, Grace Statton, Enrico Volpi, Daniel Waterhouse, and Ned Wakeley.
Queer Theatre is proud to have patrons including Sir Stephen Fry, Annette Badland, and Martin Sherman, all of whom support the company’s mission: to tell LGBTQ+ stories and nurture queer talent. In keeping with this mission, 50 complimentary tickets were offered to casting directors, producers, and directors — ensuring the showcase was not only a celebration but also a bridge between queer talent and the wider industry.
Reflecting on the launch, Andrew Keates said:
“OutCast feels like something we’ve always needed. It’s a celebration of queer voices and stories, from emerging talents finding their feet to established performers eager to explore new writing. I have loved working in a wholly queer space, exploring queer writing, characters, issues, and experiences without the possibility of fear, judgement, or prejudice. OutCast is when we choose to open our doors to those who want to see what we’ve been doing. It’s our chance to share the diversity and richness of LGBTQ+ experiences within our community without any barriers to entry.”
The February showcase was just the beginning, with further OutCast events scheduled for Friday 25 July and Friday 24 October 2025, each continuing to highlight the breadth of queer lives and the incredible talent within the LGBTQ+ community.
