A closer look at some of the incredible queer plays showing at IDGTF 2023

With 23 productions from nine different countries, there's guaranteed to be something for everyone in this year's programme.

Three promo images from IDGTF 2023.

The International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival (IDGTF) returns in 2023 to celebrate its 20th edition. The programme boasts an incredible lineup of 23 queer shows, playing across the capital from May 1 to 14.

With productions coming from Australia, Israel, Italy, Canada, Serbia, Spain, the UK, US, and of course, Ireland, we’ve lined up a small selection of those we can’t wait to see! The below list is by no means exhaustive, and we encourage everyone to dive into the full programme to explore everything that’s on offer.

Looking Cis

Written and performed by Ella Skolimowski, Looking Cis is a provocative and satirical production exploring the pressure non-binary people face to appear androgynous. The show will run in Teachers Club Main Hall on the first week of the festival from May 1 to 6.

The Importance of Being Earnest

Australia’s award-winning Out Cast Theatre is finally bringing its three-time Edinburgh Fringe season sell-out to Dublin! Performed by Three F*cking Queens and a Duck, the outrageous play sees three talent-deprived thespians attempting to stage their adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s classic in a 50-minute spectacle.

The MP, Aunty Mandy and Me

More than anything else, Dom wants to be an #instagay influencer, but several obstacles stand in his way. On his quest, he meets a local MP in a chance encounter and everything is turned upside down. From the UK, The MP, Aunty Mandy and Me is a bittersweet tale exploring consent and coercion with a humourous and contemporary view.

Wasteman

Following a sell-out run at the VAULT Festival in London, two-time Offie-nominated comedy Wasteman is heading to DV8 Bar & Venue for week one of the IDGTF. The show follows a refuse loader who dreams of being a drag queen, and if you’re feeling lucky, GCN has two pairs of tickets to give away!

Everything is Grand, and I’m Completely Okay

https://twitter.com/iamconorburke/status/1647295810554458116

During week two of the festival, Conor Burke’s Everything is Grand and I’m Completely Okay will take to the Ireland Institute. Following Malachy, who has freshly turned 25 and is dealing with the death of his younger brother, the play explores themes of growing up and the lessons learned along the way.

Standing in the Shadows of Giants

Written and performed by Lucie Barât, Standing in the Shadows of Giants is a powerful true story about a woman reflecting on her years as a young, struggling actress in early-2000s London. Showing in the Outhouse Theatre, this hour-long show is not to be missed!

My Dead Husband’s Hereford Bull

On Sunday, May 7, there will be a free play reading of My Dead Husband’s Hereford Bull hosted in All My Friends pub on Meath Street. Written by IDGTF double bursary recipient Anne Walsh Donnely, the hilarious comedy will be performed by the award-winning Kinnerton Players.

For more information on IDGTF 2023 and to buy tickets to any of the shows, visit the official website.

© 2023 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.

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