Queer Theatre Spring Party
4th April 2025 | Two Brewers, Clapham
On Friday 4th April 2025, Queer Theatre brought the community together for its first ever Spring Party — an unforgettable evening of celebration, connection, and cabaret at The Two Brewers, Clapham. With only 120 tickets available, the night quickly sold out, welcoming LGBTQ+ performers, creatives, and industry professionals into one glittering room.
The cabaret was headlined by a stellar line-up of special guests: award-winning comedian and viral sensation Sooz Kempner, international drag star Karla Bear (Daniel Downing), and rising cabaret favourite Aura Gasm (Matthew Goodill). Each brought their unique artistry, wit, and charisma to the stage, creating a night that was as moving as it was joyous.
A highlight of the evening was the announcement of Adèle Anderson, Olivier Award-nominated actress, singer, and member of the internationally acclaimed cabaret trio Fascinating Aïda, as Queer Theatre’s newest patron. Joining an esteemed panel that already includes Sir Stephen Fry, Annette Badland, and Martin Sherman, Anderson brings her remarkable artistry and her long-standing commitment to LGBTQIA+ rights to support Queer Theatre’s mission.
As a transgender woman who has navigated a groundbreaking career in the performing arts, Adèle has been a fierce advocate for human rights, including her role as patron for Humanists UK and her work officiating non-religious weddings. Sharing her reasons for joining Queer Theatre, she said:
“I am delighted to have been asked by Andrew Keates to become a patron of Queer Theatre. As a trans performer I know how tough it can be to make it in an industry that predominantly tells cisgender stories. However, queer people have their own tremendous stories to tell and the talent to tell them. Queer Theatre offers a safe place to explore these scenarios and allow the performers to test their capabilities and stretch their limits. I look forward to seeing what work will come from this exciting new company.”
The evening also welcomed a number of high-profile guests and allies from across the arts and activism, including Peter Tatchell (globally renowned human rights campaigner), Mark Jackson (The Orville), Niall Sheehy (Wicked), Peter Caulfield (Doctor Who), Chris Smith (Comedy Bloomers), Joe Leather (Wasteman), and Matthew Hodson (activist).
In addition to the cabaret, the night featured a glittering industry raffle and auction, raising vital funds to support Queer Theatre’s mission to tell LGBTQ+ stories and nurture queer talent. VIP guests mingled with grassroots artists, making the party both a vital networking opportunity and a powerful statement of queer solidarity.
As the cabaret drew to a close, DJs took over to keep the dance floor alive until 4am — cementing the Spring Party not just as a fundraiser, but as a celebration of queer creativity, community, and resilience.
