The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs – The Kiln Theatre

The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs holds counsel for all of us seeking to find our queer foremothers who lived and loved despite the unjust laws of the land that aims to criminalize love. The synergistic partnership between writer Iman Qureshi and director Hannah Hauer-King will be cherished. They have managed to not only centre ‘community building’ on the stage but also brought a nuanced, intersectional perspective to the structural challenges that pose barriers to many from joining and sustaining communities.

Supported by an award-winning cast, each of them brings such diversity of perspectives and emotional vulnerability to the portrayal of their roles. Fanta Barrie (Ellie) plays the butch lesbian lover on a journey of self discovery and curiosity, Georgie Henley (Ana) plays the white lecturer in post colonial literature an academic with rose coloured lenses that fails to see what is under one’s nose Liz Carr’s (Fi) powerful presence of assertion and stingy narrow-mindedness that we all hold, Leah Harvey (Lori) walking the thin tightrope of loving and being loved for all they are, Mariah Louca (Bridget) restrained and powerful anger and yearning to just be accepted for who they are, Serena Manteghi (Dina) centering the many sacrifices patriarchy asks of women’s bodies, wishes and time, and Shuna Snow (Connie) the exuberant choir conductor with a zest for community often hiding a powerful truth and Zak Ghazi-Torbati (The Men) sketching the many possibilities of men we all encounter/are every day.

The characters are not two-dimensional, but each of them has with rich character arc bringing together the personal, the social and the emotional depth of being in relationship in community. It also highlights how language is often an insufficient denominator of our intentions and deepest feelings. In navigating one’s identity, one’s belonging, and one’s responsibility, we owe to one another, and we have to face our own blindness with compassion and empathy. The script plays with the queer stereotypes while giving them so much grace. It is striking that we have not seen much theatre, television or film that has celebrated stories of lesbian drama that everyone is shocked and scared of but has been burned from the archives and our collective memories.

The music score also is a hat tip to songs that are familiar from the past, some remixed with catchy new words (please release a playlist!) and some new queer anthems. The music heightens the emotion and connection. The harmonies are very satisfying, and the many warm-ups ups familiar and nostalgic to anyone who has ever been in a choir. The set design of the house that makes the man look bigger than he is was an excellent choice. Along with the leaky walls of an old cathedral, that is the only spot available to rent for a community to gather. Most importantly, how shocking and neglected disability access is across many queer spaces even in the 21st century in a developed country.

Artistic Director Amit Sharma and the team at Kiln Theatre have done well with the timely revival of this piece, given the harmful debates taking away the rights of Trans people and eventually all women with draconian laws silencing peaceful protest and dissent. If the opening night was anything to go by, this is going to be a repeat sold-out show very soon. In singing together, we find harmony with ourselves and are invited to listen deeply to one another beyond the conditioning and propaganda. 

Playing:  until 12th July 2025, https://kilntheatre.com/whats-on/the-ministry-of-lesbian-affairs/

Reviewer: Anisha Pucadyil

Reviewed: 20th June 2025

North West End UK Rating: