15 performances only

Mark Gatiss leads this strictly limited West End transfer of Mart Crowley's milestone of LGBTQ theatre, The Boys In The Band. After enjoying its first major revival in 20 years at The Park Theatre, the entire production with direction from Adam Penford (One Man Two Guv'nors) will move into the Vaudeville for 15 performances only from February 7th, 2017. Starring alongside Olivier-Award winning Gatiss is his real life husband Ian Halland, Daniel Boys; Jack Derges James Holmes, John Hopkins, Ben Mansfield, Greg Lockett and Nathan Nolan.

An icon of queer theatre, The Boys in The Band groundbreaking show from its 1968 premiere. Its depiction of a group of young homosexual men bonding and sparring during a rather calamitous birthday party was the first time many audiences experienced homosexuality as secondary to a character's personality, showing instead the individual, however flawed. Launched two years before the infamous Stonewall Riots in NYC, it is credited with contributing to the Gay Rights struggle and is essential viewing for any person with a interest in LGBTQ history.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

Taking place in an upscale New York apartment, a group of gay men are celebrating Harold's (Gatiss) birthday, hosted by his "frenemy" Michael (Hallard). Morose at the prospect of not being able to attract younger men, things seemingly take an upturn for Harold when he is gifted with a male prostitute called Cowboy. However, events quickly turn dark again when Michael's allegedly straight college friend Alan arrives unexpectedly, needing to speak with Michael urgently.

As the drinks flow, the banter between the men becomes more nasty and pointed, culminating in a risky game where each player must call somebody on the telephone and declare their love. When it comes to Alan's turn, Michael spitefully snatches the phone from him, believing that his friend is in fact gay - only to find that Alan has called his wife. What Alan wanted to discuss with Michael remains a mystery, leaving us to make our own conclusions.