Stay in the know.
Sign up for updates about events, news and special offers.
The Mad Gay King
Queer Work + Main House Later

The Mad Gay King

A gay retelling of the life and love of one of history's most scandalous kings.

When Richard Hornig (David Buttle - Slow Horses, Apple TV; Aids: The Unheard Tapes, BBC; Backstairs Billy, West End), a stable master with a secret, arrives at the court of King Ludwig II (Elijah Ferreira - Innocence, Royal Opera House Olivier Awards Winner 2024, Best Performer in a Musical - The Stage), the young monarch’s most decadent obsessions are ignited—placing the future of his kingdom, his legacy, and even his sanity at the edge of a dangerous precipice.

Based on true events, The Mad Gay King is a homoerotic retelling of the life and love of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, an infamous 19th century monarch who funded the operas of Richard Wagner, built a flight of fairy tale castles, and was ultimately deposed by his conservative government on the grounds of homosexual insanity. 

This sweepingly romantic premiere, presented by An Accomplished Woman Productions (Amanda Schulz; HBO & Netflix) and directed by Scott Le Crass (Rose, Buff, Best Director Nominee), marks the UK debut of LA- born playwright Christopher Adams-Cohen. Integrating its historical sources with elements of the contemporary queer underground (Sound Design by J.Aria: Dalston Superstore, Adonis) this thrilling new production is a celebration of the enduring power of fantasy and mythmaking as a means of LGBTQ+ survival. 

CAST & CREATIVES

Cast

Elijah Ferreira | King Ludwig II

David Buttle | Richard Hornig

Bernadine Pritchett | Woman

Thom Tuck | Man


Creative Team

Playwright | Christopher Adams-Cohen

Director | Scott Le Crass

Executive Producer | Antoinette Adams

Producer | Amanda Schulz

Sound Design | J. Aria @_j.aira_

Lighting Designer | Joseph Bryant

Dramaturg | Patty Kim Hamilton 

Visual System, Identity & Design | Yence Studio @yencestudio

Marketing & Design | Holly Salewski

Photography | Kit Dale @kitdaledop 

Director of Promotional Assets | Samuel Douek

Ticket Price

£10 - £28

WHEN

3 - 18 October

WHERE

King's Head Theatre

SHARE THIS:

REVIEWS

★★★★★ "Every creative decision made works flawlessly with each other and it culminates in a piece of theatre that is impressive, emotional, and incredibly impactful" - A Youngish Perspective

★★★★★ "Fantastic, raw energy ... This production is an absolute triumph" - Squirrp Reviews

★★★★ "A tour de force ... poetic, moving and at times very funny" - Tea With Kevin

"Powerful visuals ... stirring soundscapes" - Lottie's London Reviews

 

YOUR VISIT

Content Warning: mental illness, suicidal ideation, incidents of antisemitism, PTSD, sex

Age Guidance: 18+

Running time: 70 min

Starting times for this show vary. Please note that latecomers may not be admitted. Please ensure you arrive at the venue with plenty of time.

Our bar and box office are open from one hour before the performance starts. 


YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE...

Drama + Main House

How to Survive Your Mother

The true story of a Technicolor woman in a black and white world

Musical + Main House

The Freddie & Queen Experience

A full recreation of QUEEN's Live shows, based around QUEEN at their very best - the 86 'Magic tour'.

Comedy + Main House

Buyer & Cellar

One person's adventures in Barbra Streisand's basement!

Drama + Cabaret House

Smoke

Come see the world the way Alex does. Everyday reality meets everyday fantasy in this queer comic thriller.

Musical + Main House

You've Got A Friend

A celebration of the music of Carole King and James Taylor