Queer Play Reading Club: The Funeral Director with Iman Qureshi
Presented by Queer Theatre
The Queer Play Reading Club is a monthly event, produced by Queer Theatre, held in partnership with Nick Hern Books, celebrating LGBTQIA+ playwriting in a supportive,...
Accessibility
This event takes places in an air-conditioned, upstairs space, with an all gendered toilet on the same level. Please contact us if you have any access needs so we can see how we can facilitate your visit as comfortably as possible.
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About this event
The Queer Play Reading Club is a monthly event, produced by Queer Theatre, held in partnership with Nick Hern Books, celebrating LGBTQIA+ playwriting in a supportive, low-pressure, queer-run, social space.
Each session begins with us reading out loud our own new queer writing, helping writers see how differently their work is from page to the mouths of actors and supportive feedback can be given. We then table-read a published LGBTQIA+ full-length play from Nick Hern Books, with everyone in the room reading various roles, followed by relaxed discussion and Q&A with the playwright themselves, and often with members of the Nick Hern Books team, facilitated by Queer Theatre’s Artistic Director, Andrew Keates. And finally, we share a drink together in the queer-run pub, The Railway. And everyone gets to take home their copy of the play-text too!
This month’s play: The Funeral Director by Iman Qureshi
“I just thought it would be a secret I’d have to die with. And now – I think it’ll be what kills me.”
Life as the director of a Muslim funeral parlour isn't always easy, but Ayesha has things pretty sorted. She and Zeyd share everything: a marriage, a business, a future. Until Tom walks in to organise his boyfriend's funeral. A snap moral decision, informed by the values of Ayesha's community and faith, has profound consequences. Forced to confront a secret she has hidden even from herself, Ayesha must decide who she is – no matter the cost.
Iman Qureshi's play The Funeral Director is an incisive and heartfelt story of sexuality, gender and religion in twenty-first-century Britain. It won the 2018 Papatango New Writing Prize and premiered at Southwark Playhouse, London, in October 2018.
Special Guest Announcement
We are delighted to announce, Iman Qureshi will be joining us for this session to discuss the play and answer your questions.
Iman Qureshi is an award-winning writer for stage, screen and radio. Her stage plays include: The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs (Soho Theatre, London, 2022); The Funeral Director (winner of the 2018 Papatango New Writing Prize; premiered at Southwark Playhouse, 2018) and Speed (Kali Theatre at the Tristan Bates Theatre, 2013). Her short play His and Hers (Soho Theatre) was produced as part of Tamasha's New Muslim Voices. Her play for young people, Side Effects, was performed at Canary Wharf Roof Garden and Poplar Union.
She has been writer in residence at various schools, and her short play Birthday Begum, written in residence at Mulberry School for Girls, was performed at Rich Mix and Theatre Royal Stratford East. She was shortlisted for Soho Theatre's Tony Craze Award in 2017.
Itinerary
Tea, coffee and snacks from 6:30pm
Session starts at 7pm (sharing new writing with the group and receiving supportive feedback)
Then We read the play together.
Q&A with Iman Qureshi and Andrew Keates
Drinks and socialising until 11pm
Getting There
The Railway, Clapham
18 Clapham High Street, London SW4 7UR
By Tube: A 1-minute walk from Clapham North (Northern line) and 5 minutes from Clapham Common.
By Overground: Clapham High Street Station is directly opposite the venue.
By Bus: Served by routes 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 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.
Contact
If you’re having any problems with your booking, please contact us at [email protected]
Important InformationComplimentary snacks may be provided but are not guaranteed. You are responsible for checking al...
Complimentary snacks may be provided but are not guaranteed. You are responsible for checking allergens and for your own dietary requirements. Participation is at your own risk. Please tell the facilitator before the session about any injuries, health conditions, access requirements, or anything that may affect your safe participation. Queer Theatre accepts no liability for loss, theft, or damage to personal property. We reserve the right to refuse admission or remove anyone whose behaviour is disruptive, unsafe, discriminatory, or harassing, or who is intoxicated. By attending you also agree that Queer Theatre may photograph and/or film the session, including your image and voice, and use this content for promotional, marketing, archive, and editorial purposes across all media. There is no opt out.
Refund policyTickets are non-refundable, except where the event is cancelled or rescheduled, or as required b...
Tickets are non-refundable, except where the event is cancelled or rescheduled, or as required by law. All ticket sales are final. We do not offer refunds for any reason, including but not limited to illness, travel issues, or change of mind. Tickets are non-transferable and cannot be resold, gifted, or used by anyone other than the original purchaser. If you’re unable to attend, your ticket cannot be refunded or transferred to another person or date. By purchasing a ticket, you agree to these terms.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a writer or an actor to join you?
No. You do not need any experience at all. The Queer Play Reading Club is for LGBTQIA+ people, actors, writers, theatre-makers, readers and anyone curious about queer theatre. You can take part as much or as little as you like.
Do I have to read aloud?
No. Reading is completely optional. Some people love getting stuck in, while others prefer to listen, follow the play and enjoy the discussion afterwards. Both are very welcome.
Can I come on my own?
Absolutely. Lots of people come by themselves. It is a friendly, low-pressure evening designed to help LGBTQIA+ people meet, connect and feel part of a creative community.
What is a table read?
A table read is when a group reads a play aloud together in an informal setting. It is not a rehearsed performance. There are no costumes, staging or pressure. It is about hearing the writing, sharing the story and discovering the play together.
Can I bring my own writing?
Yes. If you would like to hear your work read aloud, please bring an extract of no more than five minutes. We will include as many writers as possible, though we cannot guarantee every piece will be read if lots of people bring work. If you need to printed copies of your piece, please email [email protected]
Will I receive feedback on my writing?
Yes, where time allows. The feedback is supportive, constructive and designed to help you hear what is already working and what might be developed further. You may opt to not receive feedback too!
Do I need to read the play before coming?
No. In fact, we encourage you not to! You do not need to prepare anything in advance. We read the play together on the night, and everyone attending receives a copy of the play-text to take home too. And often our special guest will sign your playtext too.
Is this a performance?
No. This is not a public performance or rehearsed production. It is an informal play reading and discussion event where people in the room read the play aloud together.
Will the playwright be there?
Where advertised, yes. The session includes a relaxed Q&A with the playwright, giving you the chance to hear more about the play, their process and the themes of the work.
Can allies attend?
Yes, respectful allies are welcome. Queer Play Reading Club is an LGBTQIA+ centred space, so we ask all attendees to honour the room, the stories being shared and the people they are sharing it with.
What if I'm nervous?
That is completely normal. You will not be forced to read, speak or share anything. You can simply come along, listen, enjoy the play and meet people gently. The whole point is to create a kind, welcoming space where LGBTQIA+ people can connect through theatre.
Why should I come?
Because it is more than just reading a play. It is a chance to meet queer actors, writers and theatre-makers, discover brilliant LGBTQIA+ plays, hear from major playwrights, share your own work if you want to, and be part of a growing queer theatre community in London.
Booking questions 5
How much are tickets for Queer Play Reading Club: The Funeral Director with Iman Qureshi?
Tickets are £30. tickts charges no booking fees, with no commission on top of the ticket price.
When is Queer Play Reading Club: The Funeral Director with Iman Qureshi?
Queer Play Reading Club: The Funeral Director with Iman Qureshi takes place on Tuesday 18 August 2026 at 7:00pm.
Where is Queer Play Reading Club: The Funeral Director with Iman Qureshi?
Queer Play Reading Club: The Funeral Director with Iman Qureshi is held at The Railway, Clapham, London.
Are there any booking fees?
No. tickts does not add booking fees, so you only pay the ticket price shown. There are no surprise charges at checkout.
How will I receive my tickets?
Your tickets are emailed to you straight after purchase. Show them on your phone or print them, and you can always find them again in your tickts account.
