Following an acclaimed 2023 run in Manchester, this new, operatic and spoken-word adaptation of 1977 cult book The Faggots & Their Friends Between Revolutions (written and illustrated by Larry Mitchell and Ned Asta) now hits London’s Southbank Centre to a rapturous audience response. Against the backdrop of the cavernous Queen Elizabeth Hall, a diverse and multi-talented ensemble cast of fifteen opera singers and multi-instrumentalists each take on the role of the narrator and orchestra.

Composer Philip Venables, Doctoral Composer in Residence at the Royal Opera House, is best known for his avant-garde compositions for contemporary opera (4.48 Psychosis; Denis & Katya). But, drawing on the simplistic, fairytale-like language of the original book, Venables’ chamber score is far more tuneful and accessible: at one point, there’s even a sing-along with the audience. Theorbos and harpsichord one minute; vocal clusters and tubular bells the next.

Obtusely, the show is advertised as a “performance & dance” piece, and “an exhilarating cabaret spectacle”, which is not the case. With a set designed to look non-existent (Rosie Elnile) and minimalistic lighting (Bertrand Couderc), this show employs slow, repetitive music and static choreography (Theo Clinkard). The vision of director and librettist Ted Huffman is closest to a concert production of a chamber opera, with some spoken word bits. But it is, at times, laugh-out-loud funny.

Not all audiences are going to be on board with the book’s provocatively unsubtle repainting of all history as the fabulous “faggots” against the grey and selfish “men”, who have tricked the faggots into campaigning for things like marriage rights and protection from discrimination in the workplace, instead of campaigning for the destruction of all borders and all of society. Using the format of contemporary opera to propose a future of queer anarchy is a good idea: but this show may not be the one to persuade you unless you’re already on board.

Playing at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, 25 – 28 January 2024.