Pride 2018: 11 best shows to see

As summer kicks in, Pride 2018 is sure to make the UK even hotter! There are many events happening up and down the country this month and to celebrate, we've picked out the best shows to see now, and coming up, that touch on LGBTQ issues.

For Reasons that Remain Unclear, King's Head Theatre

Not technically running over the Pride season, but one to get your tickets booked for nonetheless, For Reasons that Remain Unclear by Mart Crowley, author of The Boys in the Band, receives its UK premiere at the London fringe theatre. Set in the 1990s, the piece follows an exchange between a Hollywood screenwriter and a Catholic priest. The show headlines the King's Head's Queer Season, which also features All That and Free and Proud.

Everybody's Talking About Jamie, Apollo Theatre

This new British musical has been receiving huge acclaim from all corners of the theatre world. The show, based on real events, follows 16 year-old schoolboy turned drag queen Jamie as he overcomes his fears and finds his true identity. Nominated for five Oliviers and the winner of three WhatsOnStage Awards including Best New Musical, it's a tale of learning to be yourself, no matter what people think.

Lonely Planet, Trafalgar Studios

Currently playing at Trafalgar Studios, Steven Dietz's play focuses on what happens when an unknown virus decimates the gay community in the 1980s in an unnamed American city. With obvious parallels to the AIDS epidemic, the two-hander focuses on themes of mourning and of legacy. Check out our ticket offer on this show.

The Inheritance, Noël Coward Theatre

Stephen Daldry directs the world premiere production of Matthew Lopez's remarkable two-part play which is loosely inspired by Howards End. The original sold out run opened at the Young Vic and the West End transfer opens in September, so get booking for a show that sent both audiences and critics wild.

Homos, Or Everyone In America, Finborough Theatre

Jordan Seavey's play makes its UK debut in August at the Finborough Theatre, directed by Josh Seymour. The piece is a love story, looking at prejudice in an America on the brink of passing marriage equality. A great chance to see it for the first time on these shores.

Grindr: The Opera, Above the Stag

Everyone's favourite app is put centre stage in this cheeky, upbeat opera which touches on styles from pop to baroque. Above the Stag have recently reopened following a venue move and is one of the places in the capital to hear LGBTQ+ stories. Other pieces over the next few months include The Penetration Play, The Chemsex Monologues and the sold out Beautiful Thing.

Dusty, UK tour

Fabulous gay icon Dusty Springfield is the subject of this new musical, directed by the excellent Maria Friedman. Katherine Kingsley is the lady herself, while Rufus Hound plays her manager Billings
and Ray and songs included are "I Only Want to Be with You", "Son of a Preacher Man" and "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me."The show tours to cities including Sheffield, Newcastle and Manchester.

Fun Home, Young Vic

Alison Bechdel's original graphic novel told of her life growing up, coming to terms with her sexuality and her relationship with her father. Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron have turned it into a musical, which debuts on this side of the pond at the Young Vic this week. Sam Gold directs stagey royalty in the form of Jenna Russell and Kaisa Hammarlund alongside talents such as Cherrelle Skeete, Ashley Samuels, Eddie Martin, Eleanor Kane and Zubin Varla. By all accounts it's going to be ace.

Le Gateau Chocolat and Jonny Woo: A Night at The Musicals, Soho Theatre

What's not to love about duo Le Gateau Chocolat and Jonny Woo? The drag queens stage their show A Night At the Musicals at Soho Theatre in July, which promises to be a tongue in cheek focus on the highs and lows of musical theatre. The two will sing through their back catalogue of musicals with songs from Gypsy to The Lion King all featured.

Hot Gay Time Machine, The Other Palace and Edinburgh

An Edinburgh Fringe hit last year, this arrives in London for a couple of dates in July (6 and 7) before heading back up to the Fringe. The piece looks at all the most important moments in a gay man's life, from coming out to your mum to locker room antics.

Kinky Boots, Adelphi Theatre

Inspired by true events, this uplifting production recently announced it would be closing its factory doors on 12 January 2019, meaning this is your last summer (and Pride season) to see it. With lyrics and music by Grammy-winning pop star, and gay rights advocate, Cyndi Lauper this musical follows the fabulous drag queen Lola (and her Angels) as she helps save a struggling Northampton shoe factory from closing by helping them a new type of boots