The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs at Kiln Theatre Review
Written by Cathie for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
In the beautifully sweltering month of June, we can see Pride shouted about by every business imaginable on our high street. Almost all of us will have a story about a gay bar or will be able to talk about a deeply moving book or film about anguished gay men. We can all name at least 5 famous gay men, but how many of us know famous people or stories from the “L” in LGBTQIA? Playwright Iman Qureshi, director Hannah Hauer-King, and producers Emily Hall and Kitty Woods have created an emotionally powerful story that seeks to address this imbalance.
In this production, we meet the members of The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs, a fully inclusive lesbian choir where no previous experience is necessary. The singing group brings together women from all walks of life and sexualities, united by their love for women. First, we meet OWL (Older, Wiser Lesbian) Connie, who leads the choir with kindness and a generosity of spirit, played impeccably by Shuna Snow. Next, we meet long-time choir members Bridge (Mariah Louca), Fi (Liz Carr) and Ellie (Fanta Barrie), who are searching for romance or escaping from a messy divorce. Their lively discussions and playful disagreements provide a strong emotional backdrop to the challenges faced by the central couple, Lori (Leah Harvey) and Ana (Georgie Henley).
Lori is a butch lesbian who works in the traditionally male job of broadband engineering. She is struggling to come out to her conservative, church-going family. Ana, a professor of post-colonial literature, is gripped by fear of losing Lori while also obsessively protecting her academic reputation. Finally, we meet Dina (Serena Matenghi), a housewife from Qatar who is deeply unhappy in her life and is trapped with an implied abusive husband (Zaki Ghazi-Torbati), but cannot escape due to visa issues or be open about her sexuality with her family without danger. Each character is rendered beautifully complex and deeply human in their vulnerability. I was most impressed by all of the actors and their fiery and powerful chemistry together.
The tonal shift between acts is as powerful and profound as day and night. The first act is joyful and sweeping positivity that would be perfect to watch as a cosy TV series. The second act is a magnetic change which questions the very nature of how lesbians are perceived in our society by the mainstream, the divisions within the queer community and the question of how much they interact and be inclusive with each other without loosing their unique place in society. We also see the importance of including trans women in the discussion for inclusion, the sinister element of bi erasure even in the queer community and the complexities in coming out of the closet to family. We also have considerable sympathy for those in societies and cultures where it is unsafe to express themselves, as well as with the limitations of the UK visa system in supporting wives who feel unsafe in their homes. Additionally, incredibly powerful points are made about celebrating and listening to disabled members of our society. These issues are addressed with sensitivity and great pathos in a delicate balancing act, and while definitive answers are not provided, this play certainly encourages the audience to seek those answers for themselves. Anna Reid’s design is impeccable in bringing the world of the choir to life and adapts beautifully to each situation portrayed.
This is an incredibly powerful and dynamic show that shines a spotlight on lesbians and their place in the LGBTQIA community. This show is filled with humour, heartbreak, and moments of joy that will stay with you long after the curtain falls. This production is a beautiful celebration of Pride in theatre. The acting is truly stellar, and the performances are profound enough that they will linger in your mind for a long time. If you enjoy lesbian romances, choir drama, powerful writing, and an unforgettable night at the theatre that will move and inspire you, this is the show for you.
The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs plays at Kiln Theatre until 12 July
★★★★
