Queer Play Reading Club - First Time by Nathaniel J. Hall

Tuesday 16 September 2024
The Railway, Clapham

The Queer Play Reading Club is a monthly event celebrating LGBTQ+ playwriting in a supportive, social space to grow and make new connections. Held in partnership with Nick Hern Books, each session takes place as a table-read in the private space at The Railway, a Queer-run pub in Clapham.

We began the evening with brand-new Queer writing, giving emerging LGBTQ+ playwrights the chance to share short scenes or monologues and receive supportive feedback from fellow theatre-makers. This was followed by a group reading of First Time with playwright, Nathaniel J. Hall, with a relaxed discussion and Q&A facilitated by Queer Theatre’s Artistic Director, Andrew Keates alongside Nick Hern Books CEO, Matt Applewhite.

This month’s play: First Time by Nathaniel J. Hall

Can you remember your first time?

In this hilarious and heartbreaking true story, theatre-maker and activist Nathaniel Hall can't seem to forget his. To be fair, he's had it playing on repeat for the last fifteen years… but now he's ready to lift the lid on his life-changing secret.

First presented by Dibby Theatre and Waterside Arts, First Time went on to critical and audience acclaim on tour of the UK and at the 2019 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. It smashes through the stigma and shame of HIV, to present an uplifting and inspirational guide to staying positive in a negative world.

Everyone who attended received a signed copy of the play-text and exclusive discounts on other Nick Hern Books titles to continue exploring LGBTQ+ stories at home.

All photography by Boyan Georgiev