The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs (NHB Modern Plays)

When banks and sandwich shops have more pride than we do, where can we go to be with our tribe?

It's 2022. There's a rainbow flag in every high-street window, and no lesbian bar. Enter The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs: a lesbian choir on a mission to unite a disparate and dwindling community. Led by a world-weary conductor, the choir flirt, gossip and attempt to sing their way onto the main stage at Pride.

But harmony is more easily dreamt than realised in this heart-warming musical comedy about love, queerness and belonging. Iman Qureshi's play The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs premiered at Soho Theatre, London, in 2022, as a co-production between Soho and Damsel Productions.

'Acerbic, moving and fun, with some really terrific writing... a charming, funny and inclusive piece of work' - Evening Standard

'So funny that your stomach aches from laughter... captures the fullness of a life that is rarely seen on stage... Here's hoping it goes far' - WhatsOnStage

'A warm cosy hug of a show, full of life, wit, and pathos that lingers long after its last notes fade' - Time Out

Auteur

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.