"But just a little bit of something you hate can be a whole lot of fun..."

A tragicomic two-hander about the unexpected relationship between Ryuji, an injured yakuza on the run, and Gloria, an extravagant (yet closeted) drag queen. Despite Ryuji's initial homophobia, over the course of his recovery, the two grow closer, frittering away hours in seclusion talking about Gloria's favourite film and whether or not a single kiss could change everything. But when Gloria returns one night with news of a homophobic murder, their fragile relationship is shattered. And Gloria decides to take drastic action.

In 1996, the pioneering Japanese LGBTQ+ theatre company Flying Stage premiered 'Beauty and the Beast', winning the Ikebukuro Theatre Festival Jury Special Award. Thirty years on, this play's themes of desire, identity and comedy in the shadow of violence still linger today.

As LGBTQ+ rights face renewed scrutiny in the UK, this showcase presents Gareth Mattey’s bold new adaptation, bringing the Japanese queer underground to the contemporary international stage. Following acclaimed English-translated extracts at Jermyn Street Theatre and Underbelly Boulevard Soho, and a four-star review from A Young(ish) Perspective, this intimate performance invites audiences to witness the evolution of an East Asian queer work.

"Beauty and the Beast" is a vivid and playful celebration of queer resilience.

Part of The Hope Theatre's WIP Week 2026

​

Running Time - 70 minutes

​​

UNDER 18s ARE NOT PERMITTED INTO THE THEATRE FOR THIS PERFORMANCE. 

Latecomers may not be admitted. 
Refunds and exchanges are not available.