BLOODY ELLE and BOY OUT IN THE CITY to run in the West End

Emmie Newitt 22 August, 2023, 11:34

A double helping of queer theatre will head to the Lyric Theatre this Autumn.

Bloody Elle and Boy Out in the City artwork.

The Lyric Theatre will host two new pieces of work, BLOODY ELLE and BOY OUT IN THE CITY from 27-30 September.

Both of the solo productions are currently having successful runs at the Traverse Theatre and Underbelly Cowgate at this year's Edinburgh Fringe.

What is BLOODY ELLE about?

Elle meets Eve. Eve's eyes are like guacamole, she has posh-hair and a freckle on her chin. When she touches Elle's arm, the world spins off its axis. This is a loud, proud love story that is heart-warmingly honest and belly-achingly funny.

BLOODY ELLE explores love, class, shame, and beauty in all its complexities in a coming of age and coming out story. Elle is a young, working-class girl from the North of England. Directed by Bryony Shanahan and performed by Lauren Redding, the production which features original music created live on stage, was nominated for a WhatsOnStage Award when it was first seen at the Royal Exchange in Manchester.

What is BOY OUT IN THE CITY about?

BOY OUT IN THE CITY is a solo piece performed by Declan Bennett and directed by Nancy Sullivan. It's based on Bennett's experiences of isolation living in Oxfordshire during the pandemic using his own private journals. The production forces Declan to face the demons of his past on a messy journey through the turbulent world of toxic masculinity, homophobia, and men's mental health.

The two shows are part of the short runs which are taking place at the Lyric Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue. Other recent announcements include the Marie Antoinette show CAKE and the highly-anticipated transfer of DEATH NOTE THE MUSICAL after its sold-out run at the London Palladium.