Arcola Creative Engagement

The Drag

Mae West, adapted by Peter Darney

Directed by: Peter Darney

Step into 1920s New York for this provocative drama by the infamous and iconic Mae West.

Rolly is a closet homosexual, married to Clair but secretly in love with Allen. Allen may have eyes for Rolly – or for his wife, or both. With Clair away for the weekend and the drag ball in full swing, the night is ripe for revelations…

The Drag ignited a scandal in 1927, and was forced to close for its depictions of the “cursed and degenerate”. Now, 90 years on, Arcola Queer Collective presents an extremely rare revival of the play following their sold-out productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Little Prince.

Award-winning director Peter Darney (5 Guys Chillin’ at the King’s Head, Edinburgh Fringe and Off-Broadway) unearths this gem of queer theatre in a vibrant, tender new production which takes an unflinching look at prejudice and discrimination, and questions how far we’ve come.

“If you can’t help me no one can. It is so hard to tell you…”


Please note our access lift is currently out of service and in repair. We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause. If you have access requirements please contact the Box Office on 020 7503 1646.


creativedisruptionhomeArcola Queer Collective’s You’re Here… You’re Queer! mini-season is part of Creative/Disruption 17