Queer Play Reading Club: Es & Flo by Jennifer Lunn

Queer Play Reading Club is a monthly event from Queer Theatre, held in partnership with Nick Hern Books, celebrating LGBTQ+ playwriting in a supportive, Queer-run, social space. Each session begins with up to an hour of brand-new queer writing, giving LGBTQIA+ playwrights and writers the chance to share short scenes or monologues and receive supportive feedback. We then move into a group reading of a full-length published play, with relaxed discussion and Q&A with the author, facilitated by Queer Theatre’s Artistic Director, Andrew Keates.

This month’s play: Es & Flo by Jennifer Lunn

Es and Flo fell fiercely in love in the eighties. They've been living as secret lovers ever since. As Es becomes more forgetful around their home, an unexpected carer arrives. Who sent this woman? Why? And can they trust her?

As the outside world comes crashing in, Flo fights to protect the life they've built together over forty years behind closed doors. And faces the hardest battle of her life – to hold on to the woman she loves.

Jennifer Lunn's play Es & Flo is a sharply observed, deeply compassionate drama, coloured with memories of the Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp. It celebrates an older lesbian relationship, women coming together to fight for what's right, and the healing power of chosen family.

The play was produced by Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, and opened there in April 2023 before moving to Kiln Theatre, London, directed by Susie McKenna. It won the Popcorn Group Writing Award and the Nancy Dean Lesbian Playwriting Award.

Every ticket includes a copy of the play-text, and attendees will receive exclusive discounts on other Nick Hern Books titles to continue exploring LGBTQ+ stories at home.

Special Guest Announcement

We are delighted to announce Jennifer Lunn will be attending to answer your questions and give feedback.

Itinerary

Tea, coffee and snacks from 6:30pm
Session starts at 7pm
Finishes approximately 10:30pm
Drinks and socialising until late

Printing

If you are a writer wishing to have your own work shared aloud during the opening section, please bring an excerpt of no more than five minutes in length to allow space for other writers to share as well. Please note we may not have time to include everyone’s work on the night. If you need excerpts printed, please send to email us.

Getting There

The Railway, Clapham
18 Clapham High Street, London SW4 7UR

By Tube: The venue is a 1-minute walk from Clapham North (Northern line) and just 5 minutes from Clapham Common.
By Overground: Clapham High Street Station is directly opposite the venue.
By Bus: The venue is served by multiple routes including the 50, 88, 155, 322, and 345.
By Train: Clapham Junction is a short bus ride away, with connections across London and the South East.

Accessibility

The event takes place in an upstairs space which is accessible only by stairs. If you have access needs or questions, please contact us in advance so we can support your visit as best we can.

Important Information

This is not a performance, but an informal exploration of the play’s text. Scenes will be read aloud by members of the group who wish to participate. As such, roles may be read in ways that differ from their original casting intentions – including across gender, race, age, sexuality, and lived experience. We actively welcome this openness, while also encouraging those with lived experience that reflects the characters to volunteer for roles where appropriate.

By purchasing a ticket you agree that Queer Theatre may use event photos/film including your image for promotional purposes. Complimentary snacks, tea and coffee are provided, but please check for allergens as you are responsible for your own safety. Advertised guests appear subject to availability. Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled. Queer Theatre accepts no liability for lost property and reserves the right to refuse admission or make programme changes if necessary.

This event is part of Queer Theatre’s commitment to ensuring LGBTQ+ theatre-makers always have somewhere to go each week to connect, create, and be inspired, alongside our 2B: Acting Classes, OutCast showcases, theatre trips, parties, social events, masterclasses and shows.