Oxford Playhouse today announces the return of its queer new writing festival, Queer Fest running from Monday 16 to Saturday 21 June.

Performances will take place in the theatre’s Burton Taylor Studio from Thursday 19 June, highlighting emerging LGBTQIA+ talent through performances of monologues, rehearsed readings, and short plays.

In partnership with Pegasus Theatre, Queer Fest was launched last year to bring original works from queer artists to the Oxford stage.

The Playhouse will offer three different ways for emerging artists to get involved. The selection of performances will kick off with a Scratch Night, where performers can share work-in-progress monologues, scenes, or readings of short plays. The second night will feature a double bill of two short plays that have undergone research and development (R&D) workshops but are not yet fully produced. The festival will conclude with a fully staged one-act play.

Since its inception, Queer Fest has aimed to offer queer artists a platform to showcase and experiment with new works in the heart of Oxford. Recognising the increasing demand for queer theatre in the city, The Playhouse will provide financial and creative support to all selected artists, helping bring their work to life.

The festival will also serve as a valuable opportunity for new artists to network and connect with others who are exploring similar themes and subjects, as well as gain practical skills through workshops hosted by the Oxford venues.

Through Queer Fest, The Playhouse seeks to shine a spotlight on new works and ensure they continue to thrive after the festival concludes.

Following their participation in last year’s Queer Fest, the local creative duo Everybody Panic secured Arts Council funding and became an attached artist at Pegasus Theatre. They are developing their show, Wisbech Meat Shower (now titled All of Them, Dead), which initially premiered at last year’s Scratch Night.

Leah O’Grady, Festival Producer, and Lauren Carter, Festival Director, said:

“We are hugely excited to be mounting Queer Fest for a second year. Queer Fest 2024 was so full of joy and fantastic queer writing. We hope that this year provides even broader opportunities for local artists to participate in the festival, as a performing artist, audience member, or participant.”

Applications have now closed for Queer Fest 2025. Further details will be revealed in the coming months about the full programme of work.