The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs at Kiln Theatre
A revival of the production first staged at Soho Theatre in 2022, The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs has earned its place in musical theatre history – and not just during Pride Month. Written by Iman Qureshi and directed by Hannah Hauer-King, this is a story as complex, fabulous and rich as life itself as a queer woman, as falling in love as a queer woman, as facing danger as a queer woman, as creating community as a queer woman, as existing in a patriarchal world that either ignores or sexualises you – as a queer woman.
The premise is straightforward: three newcomers join the only lesbian choir in the country (confirmed by a Google search). Initially unnamed, the group eventually adopts the title The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs, in a rare moment of collective agreement. Their goal? To perform on the Pride mainstage. But weekly rehearsals uncover far more than vocal talent within each member.
Their big moment at Pride is disrupted when new member Dina (Serena Manteghi) is revealed to be wearing a T-shirt with a slogan appropriated by trans-exclusionary lesbians. Having moved from Qatar, Dina is only allowed to stay in the UK on her controlling husband’s visa. Back home, she wouldn’t be able to explore her sexuality. However, her narrative is frustratingly cut short just as her journey within the choir begins. It would have been powerful to witness how the experience impacted her understanding of queerness and love – particularly in relation to Ellie (Fanta Barrie), the group’s charismatic womaniser.
The incident intensifies existing tensions, culminating in the emotional climax of the play. Fi (Olivier Award winner Liz Carr) doesn’t see the harm in the slogan itself and, while affirming that trans women are women, resents sharing her space while enduring daily challenges as both a lesbian and a wheelchair user. Hearing this is particularly painful for Bridget (Mariah Louca), a trans woman with whom Fi has shared a romantic connection. Louca’s response, initially silent and visibly wounded, is a masterclass in nuanced performance. She eventually exits after delivering some of the most powerful lines in the production: “How does my being a woman make you less of a woman?” she asks Fi.
Each cast member contributes a slice of life to this rich tapestry of emotion: Fanta Barrie plays Ellie with charm, sarcasm and a subtle loneliness; Leah Harvey brings grit and warmth as Lori, a butch Black woman in a seven-year relationship with Ana (Georgie Henley), a white, “wokey-cokey” academic whose fragilities and insecurities serve as a mirror to the audience. Shuna Snow is simply perfect as Connie – the OWL (Older, Wiser Lesbian) of the group. A nod also to Zak Ghazi-Torbati, who can shift from patriarchal menace to comic relief as The Men.
Every conversation, whether about Ana and Lori’s relationship or broader political struggles, tackles timely and urgent themes, particularly transphobia and the rejection of trans identities. The writing’s greatest strength lies in how humour and individual quirks are woven through even the most serious moments. The result is storytelling that pulses with vitality, honesty, and the beautifully imperfect complexity of real life.
Benedetta Mancusi
Photos: Mark Senior
The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs is at the Kiln Theatre from 21st June until 12th July 2025. For further information or to book, visit the theatre’s website here.
Watch the trailer for The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs at Kiln Theatre here:
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