When banks and sandwich shops have more pride than we do, where can we go to be with our tribe?
It’s 2022. There’s a rainbow flag in every high-street window, and no lesbian bar. Enter The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs: a lesbian choir on a mission to unite a disparate and dwindling community. Led by a world-weary conductor, the choir flirt, gossip and attempt to sing their way onto the main stage at Pride.
But harmony is more easily dreamt than realised in this heart-warming musical comedy about love, queerness and belonging. Iman Qureshi’s play The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs premiered at Soho Theatre, London, in May 2022, as a co-production between Soho and Damsel Productions. It was shortlisted for the 2022 George Devine Award.
‘Acerbic, moving and fun, with some really terrific writing… a charming, funny and inclusive piece of work’
— Evening Standard
‘So funny that your stomach aches from laughter… captures the fullness of a life that is rarely seen on stage… Here’s hoping it goes far’
— WhatsOnStage
‘A warm cosy hug of a show, full of life, wit, and pathos that lingers long after its last notes fade’
— Time Out
‘I was totally blown away! Clever, quirky, funny, upsetting, poignant and educational. A must-see’
— LondonTheatre1
‘A true celebration of lesbian identity – immensely necessary but also, immensely fun… Qureshi’s writing is almost faultless, quickly dancing between joyous humour and painful scenes… a perfect example of the play-with-music done right’
— Broadway World
‘Delightful and moving… plenty of laugh-out-loud moments that resonate with audiences from all walks of life. There are also scenes of real tenderness, gut-wrenching sadness, and a sense of genuine fear’
— Culture Whisper
