Outings: A Queer Tale

In 2014, a show made up of over 20 real-life coming out stories, directed by Tony Award winner David Grindley and produced by Olivier Award winner James Seabright, premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to great acclaim. Now it is returning for one night only in aid of LGBT+ helpline charity Switchboard.

Inspired by high-profile celebrities coming out, writers Matthew Baldwin and Thomas Hescott created the show from people’s contributions to a website where they shared their tales - a campaign supported by gay icons including Stephen Fry. The result was a moving, powerful and witty insight into the effects of coming out, from the moment of self-discovery - whether they emerged sashaying knowingly from the womb or realised much later in life that they wanted a ‘gal pal’ - to the big reveal.

Co-writer Thomas Hescott explains how the stories themselves were selected: ‘We received hundreds, and wanted to choose ones that are surprising or challenge preconceptions. We feel humbled to have the responsibility to share them, and people respond to their collective power.

‘Coming out used to be a very political act, such as with Harvey Milk, and often the need to out people without their consent, in the mainstream world. In the Eighties there were many salacious tabloid outings. Now people live life online, and have self-expression on YouTube and social media to record their coming outs.’ Stars coming out in this manner, such as Tom Daley in 2013, inspired the format of the show.

Many of the original cast return for what promises to be a remarkable night, such as comedians Andrew Doyle, Zoe Lyons, Camille Ucan and Rob Deering, along with big new stars including Switchboard patron Mark Gatiss and his husband Ian Hallard. Each of them will tell a different story. Throughout the show’s run, there were many guest star change-ups. Thomas says: ‘We want to tell the story in its purest form, and having different performers makes it beautifully live and not over-rehearsed or polished.’

Partnering with Switchboard was a natural fit for the play, says Thomas. ‘When people call Switchboard they are sharing their experience and reaching out, which is what the play is about.’

There have been worrying threats to rights across the world, with the Trump administration and now concerns about a DUP alliance here, as well as terrifying stories of persecution in Chechnya. Thomas agrees that, given the current climate, it’s even more important to be telling these stories. ‘It’s easy, especially in London, to become complacent. At some stage coming out will no longer need to happen and there will be no norm to deviate from. International stories show there are still battles to be had. It’s important to have an understanding of our heritage and personal history.’

As for the goals for the future of LGBT+ theatre, Thomas says: ‘If you tell an LGBT+ story, there is a sense that you have to represent the whole community, but it shouldn’t be a responsibility on the shoulders of one person; you want to work towards a collective voice and a diverse set of creatives.’

Tickets from £25, nimaxtheatres.com/lyric-theatre/outings