Omnibus Theatre announces exciting new line up for 96 Festival 2024

London’s queer arts festival is back and bigger than ever 

BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGES PROVIDED

Coming back for its 9th year, the 96 Festival – London’s longest-running queer arts festival under one roof – is back this summer with a whole lineup of incredible queer artists. Taking place at the Omnibus Theatre, the 96 Festival will be a celebration of queerness and theatre. The festival was conceived in remembrance and celebration of the iconic Pride party on Clapham Common in 1996.

Here are some of the amazing shows you can expect to see at this year’s 96 Festival! Get your tickets now.

Joe Carstairs

4 – 22 JUN / 7:30 PM (TUE-SAT) 2.30 PM (SAT) / £18 STANDARD / £16 CONCESSION / £10 PREVIEWS

Presented by StoneCrabs Theatre, Joe Carstairs brings one of the 20th century’s boldest queer figures into sharp relief. In the midst of the roaring twenties, Joe Carstairs emerged as a rebellious force, defying societal expectations to become a war hero and the fastest boat racer of her generation. The show cuts to the present day where we see Hik, a young playwright, grappling with their own defiant spirit. After meeting another writer named Tee, the pair embark on writing a play about Carstairs, learning about their own identities along the way. 

Funny Though 

7-8 JUN / 9 PM / £13 STANDARD £11 CONCESSION

Written and performed by Clare Noy, Funny Though is Clare’s inaugural hour-long solo show. Head over to the Omnibus Theatre to see a bisexual in crisis talking about the questionable life choices she’s made and lived to tell the tale of. 

Just A Minute 

8-9 JUN / 7:45 PM / 1:30PM / £12 STANDARD £10 CONCESSION

After a sold-out run at the Dublin Fringe Festival, Just A Minute is coming to London. Written and performed by Conor Murray, the show follows an intern who has a monumental crush on the straight boy in the office. Join him for one life-changing day as he attempts to suppress his queerness and rise through the ranks at the Greenwich Meantime Museum.

Rosa Garland

14 JUNE / 7:45 PM / £15 STANDARD £13 CONCESSION

Presented by Bighead Comedy, Rosa Garland is a critically acclaimed clown who likes slime. Head over to the 96 Festival this year to get a glimpse of what happens when a clown explores kink. 

Hell Yeah! 

15 JUNE / 7:45 PM / £9 STANDARD £8 CONCESSION

Fun, femxle-centered, fearless and completely improvised. What more could you want?! Monica Gaga presents Alicia Ingram, Laura Evelyn, Sally Hodgkiss and Amy Annette for this exciting new show where literally anything could happen. 

Out Of The Shadows 

16 JUNE / 7PM / £15 STANDARD / £13 CONCESSION / £6 UNDER 25’S

Get ready for an evening of music by Brixton-based contemporary classical composer Robert Hugill for Pride 2024. Out Of The Shadows moves from the earliest tentative admissions of same-sex attraction to cruising in a bathhouse in Imperial Russia to Walt Whitman’s unashamed admission of his sexuality.   

Queer Diary 

16 JUNE / 7 PM / £6

Join the Omnibus Theatre for an evening where LGBTQIA  adults read aloud from their REAL teenage diaries, poetry, fanfiction and more! This open mic evening is sure to bring up some nostalgia and provide some insightful lessons from our youth. 

Is This Desire?

16 JUNE / 4 PM / £6

Is This Desire? is a dark comedy by Ben SantaMaria, directed by Matthew Parker. When Leda steals a love potion, chaos ensues as it actually works, sparking wild romantic entanglements. Inspired by PJ Harvey, it’s a transgressive tale of love and lust. Directed by multi-award-winning Parker, it promises a thrilling ride for LGBTQIA audiences.

Hasbian 

25 – 29 JUN / 8.30 PM / £15 STANDARD / £13 CONCESSION 

Hasbian is a queer coming-of-age comedy based on Beth Watson’s real teenage diaries. Set in Brighton during the Section 28 era, it follows Beth’s journey from identifying as a lesbian to exploring new attractions. Animated in a Groovy Chick-style world, it features a Y2K pop soundtrack and animated magazine cut-outs. Through humour and irony, it delves into ideas of self-discovery, nostalgia, and queerphobia. 

Standing In The Shadows Of Giants 

24 – 29 JUN / 7 PM (MON-SAT) / 2.30 PM (SAT) / £15 STANDARD / £13 CONCESSION 

Standing in the Shadows of Giants is an autobiographical play by Lucie Barât, sister of Carl Barât from The Libertines. Set in 2000s London, it humorously recounts her struggles as an actress while her brother rises to rockstar fame. Facing her own failures, she navigates rehab and discovers her sexuality. Featuring original music co-written with Carl Barât and Peter Doherty, it’s a heartfelt journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

George 

25 JUN – 14 JUL / 7:30 PM (TUES-SAT) / 4 PM (SUN) / £18 STANDARD/ £16 CONCESSION/ £10 PREVIEWS

In 1839 Marseille, George Sand, the renowned writer, faces creative block and financial woes. Desperate for inspiration, she delves into her own depths, birthing her most daring work, Gabriel. Amidst societal pressures and her own queerness, she navigates a storm of love and expectation, questioning how much she must sacrifice for her voice to resonate.

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