Review: The Ministry Of Lesbian Affairs (Kiln Theatre)

Review by Daz Gale

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The Kiln Theatre in Kilburn has a great track record when it comes to West End transfers, with recent productions of Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) and Retrograde both having further life in the West End following their initial runs. Bizarrely, those are the only two shows I had seen at this particular theatre myself, so my hopes were high when I returned to visit The Ministry Of Lesbian Affairs. Would this show make it a hat trick?

First performed at Soho Theatre in 2022, The Ministry Of Lesbian Affairs tells the story of the only lesbian choir in the country attempting to win a place performing on stage at Pride. In the process, relationships are made, changed and broken as the differences between generations and each member of the choir are played out in an attempt to find harmony between them.

The quality of Iman Qureshi’s writing is exceptional from the opening moments of the play. While the nature of the writing changes drastically throughout, the overall quality remains consistently high, to an awe-inspiring effect. Both Acts of The Ministry Of Lesbian Affairs are markedly different from each other, with the first Act focusing largely on the more comedic elements. The comedy lands with full force, eliciting full belly laughs throughout, with some brilliant gags, punchlines and physical humour ensuring the next laugh is never far behind.

Act Two changes the tone completely with the comedy taking a backseat so more serious issues can be played out. This is where The Ministry Of Lesbian Affairs truly shines. It is no coincidence that this show is taking place in Pride month and in a time where we need Pride more than ever. With rampant increases in transphobia and more divides not just around the country (and indeed the world) but among the LGBTQIA+ community. This is explored in incredible detail through Qureshi’s intense, rich and starkly real writing. As the question of alleged transphobia among the group leads to questions of ignorance or bigotry, the subsequent argument is not just the most gripping and well-written sequence in the play, but one of the best I have seen on any stage this year.

Qureshi’s writing lures the audience into a false sense of security with the frequent laughter, only to pull the rug out from under us as she shines a spotlight on a very real and crucial topic. As important as this conversation is, I have never seen it delivered with such authenticity, sensitivity, and intelligence as it is done in this play. That’s not to say The Ministry Of Lesbian Affairs is here to preach tolerance and acceptance in a world that sadly seems to be filled with increasing hate - it never forgets its mission to entertain the audience, and the laughs do return, but the decision to explore this very real topic in such an unfiltered and thorough way is an inspired touch, and part of what makes this play so incredibly special to watch.

Hannah Hayer-King’s direction matches the high quality seen in the writing, heightening both the comedy in the lighter moments and ensuring the more heavy-hitting moments are played out with all the gravitas they deserve in scenes so intricately directed, you could hear a pin drop during them. Anna Reid’s set design beautifully recreates the run-down church hall with a great use of space in front and behind it, doubling as any scenes outside of the main setting. This creates a sense of authenticity as if you are there in the church hall with them. Part of what makes The Ministry Of Lesbian Affairs such a resounding success is how in sync all of the elements in the production are, with the writing, direction and every design element all coming together to create something incredibly special.

Though this is a play, music features heavily as part of The Ministry Of Lesbian Affairs , with the cast all showcasing their vocal talents in the choir. A smattering of songs is included, transcending the varying generations in the story in a beautiful reflection. Songs from the likes of Sam Smith, Petula Clark, Tracy Chapman and Chappell Roan all form part of the story, sometimes for comedic effect and others going to further the narrative.

The cast of eight are all incredible as they navigate both the dark and light in the story, showcasing all their collective strengths for comedy and a whole lot of heart. Leah Harvey and Georgie Henley have a great dynamic together as couple Lori and Ana, both getting their own standout moments individually as the play progresses. While most characters are on their own journeys, Fanta Barrie’s Ellie is largely comic relief, which is very much needed at some of the heavier moments, though her performance is as well-rounded as some of the more layered characters she shares the stage with. Her scenes with Dina, wonderfully played by Serena Mantenghi, leads to a great dynamic between the two of them.

Shuna Snow is an undoubted standout as Connie in a characterisation that brings out the full eccentricities, playing them for laughs before revealing truer motives in a performance full of depth and colour. Mariah Louca delivers the most knockout moment in the play as she addresses the fallout from the Pride performance and the ensuing transphobia. It is a rousing speech that proves powerful, poignant and incredibly timely, and speaks to Louca’s talents as a performer. On the other extreme is Fi, who battles with Bridget on the issue, incredibly acted by the sensational Liz Carr, who wows throughout but especially during this particularly intense scene.

I went into The Ministry Of Lesbian Affairs fairly unaware of what I was about to watch. I was already in love with the show through its brilliant use of humour in the first Act. However, when the tone shifted in Act Two and the serious issues were tackled in the way they were, my adoration for this play was sealed. As important to watch as it is enjoyable, this play shines a light on these subjects better than any other show I have seen so far has managed. The result is a captivating play that thrills throughout and combats the growing hatred in this world with an abundance of love.

With that in mind, I couldn’t have loved this play more if I tried - the two shows I had seen at this theatre previously may have gotten West End transfers, but I loved this play even more than those shows. Whether you want to laugh, learn or love, there is something for everyone in The Ministry Of Lesbian Affairs - this play is certainly an affair to remember, and one that I would encourage everybody to see with pride.

The Ministry Of Lesbian Affairs plays at Kiln Theatre until 12th July. Tickets from https://allthatdazzles.londontheatredirect.com/musical/the-ministry-of-lesbian-affairs-tickets

Photos by Mark Senior