House Proud at Fenton House
We're celebrating LGBTQ+ history, sharing queer stories and bringing you all kinds of queer delights in two magical events at Fenton House this summer. Expect the unexpected in this gorgeous historical setting.
House Proud: Away with the Faeries at Fenton House, London
Friday 8 August, from 6.30pm
“Now, until the break of day, Through this house each fairy stray.”
– William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
After a sold-out event last winter, House Proud returns to Fenton House this summer.
For one night only, Fenton House will be taken over by all kinds of queer delights, hosted by legendary drag king Adam All. Come visit a beautiful historic property but see it through a different lens. We are celebrating LGBTQ+ history and identity with a folkloric flourish this year, so expect an evening of magical drag, fantastical performances and immersive activities!
Dr Will tosh, author and Director of Education for Shakespeare’s Globe, will share queer interpretations of Shakespeare, while Sacha Coward, author of Queer as Folklore, who will take a look at the hidden queer history behind some of our favourite myths and legends…
“Queer communities have often sought refuge in the shadows, found kinship in the in-between and created safe spaces in underworlds; but these forgotten narratives tell stories of remarkable resilience that deserve to be heard.” – Queer as Folklore.
There will be a drop-in craft workshop with writer and performer Tanaka Mhishi, and you might even bump into some fairy folk wondering the house and garden during the evening.
With talks and performances happening at different times in different parts of the house and garden throughout the evening, you'll be free to explore and join in with the bits that most interest you. We can’t wait to welcome you.
About the performers:
Adam All
Drag King Adam All is the creation of Jen Powell. Jen first performed in drag 12 years ago and since Adam's initial inception has gone on to perform across the UK and now runs a monthly Cabaret Drag King Night in Soho. An advocate of drag and avid supporter of the emerging Drag King scene, Jen strongly believes in encouraging new Kings and promoting existing talent. Adam All hosted House Proud at Hatchlands Park in 2023, so we can’t wait for Fenton’s audience to meet him.
Sacha Coward
Sacha Coward is a historian, public speaker and author. He has run LGBTQ+ focused tours for museums, archives, and cities around the world. In 2024 he published his first book, Queer as Folklore, an exhilarating journey across centuries and continents which reveals the unsung heroes and villains of storytelling, magic and fantasy.
Will Tosh
Will Tosh is interim Director of Education (Higher Education and Research) at Shakespeare’s Globe, where he is responsible for undergraduate and postgraduate course, events for adult learners, and the Globe’s scholarly research programme. His most recent book is Straight Acting: The Many Queer Lives of William Shakespeare, which was published to wide acclaim in 2024.
Tanaka Mhishi
Tanaka Mhishi is a writer, researcher and performer. His work deals with issues surrounding masculinity, trauma and healing for audiences of all ages. Tanaka has been a mainstay of previous House Proud events so we’re thrilled to welcome him back.
Tickets
£14 / £12 / £10
House Proud: Queerstory at Fenton House, London
Saturday 28 June, 6.30-8.30pm
Queerstory the Musical returns to Fenton House to share queer stories, old and new, to round out Pride Month in style. Mercury and Professor Maxim invite you to come and join in an evening of celebration, reflection and rebellious revelry.
Last winter, Mercury and Professor Maxim joined us as part of Fenton House’s inaugural House Proud event and had the audience enthralled with excerpts from their musical Queerstory. We are delighted to have them back by popular demand to give us more.
“It was an incredible evening! Please do more!” – audience feedback from House Proud at Fenton House, November 2024.
After sold out shows at Theatre Royal Stratford East, The Phoenix Arts Club, Vault Festival and as part of the Paines Plough Roundabout Festival, Queerstory continues to shine a light on the queer parts of history that were never taught about and the queer people who fought for what freedoms the LGBTQIA+ community experience today.
“Queerstory the Musical is a fantastic show that is both hilarious and informative. Mercury and Maxim do a wonderful job of combining humour and music while also remembering those who lived before us, fighting for queer rights and standing up for who they love.” – Broadway World