Queer Artists and Projects to Support...

BOOK:

The Romantic Tragedies of a DRAMA KING - Harry Trevaldwyn

Where the humour of Heartstopper meets the charm of Derry Girls! This laughout-loud rom-com follows Patch Simmons, whose mission this year is simple: find a boyfriend. Say goodbye to his French pen-pal Jean-Pierre and hello to new adventures in love! Written by the talented Harry Trevaldwyn, an actor, comedian, and writer born in Oxford. This story is all about embracing who you are and chasing your dreams, all while keeping an eye on the friends who truly support you.

THEATRE:

Exciting news for my friend and local Playwright Amanda Verlaque!

Normalised: is a powerful play commissioned by the National Theatre for their 2025 Connections season. It explores allyship and the normalisation of homophobic bigotry. Recently performed by Brassneck Youth Theatre at The Lyric in Belfast, it will take the stage next month at the Dorfman Theatre, London.

This Sh*t Happens All The Time: after successful runs at The Lyric and The Grand Opera House, it is heading to the Edinburgh Fringe! Starring Catriona McFeely, it runs for the entire Fringe at the Assembly Rooms in George Square. Set in 1990s Belfast, the one-woman show depicts the love story of two young women interrupted by a deadly ex-boyfriend, blending dark humour with themes of homophobia and coercive control. What a summer for Amanda!

ART:

Sam Watts - Pop Doodle Official

Have you ever stumbled upon an Instagram account that completely captivates you? That’s what happened to me with Sam’s page! His mutual love for the Spice Girls grabbed my attention right away, and I found myself scrolling through countless posts and highlights. I had to get to speak to him! Based in London, a graphic design graduate, Sam has been sketching since childhood; his mum says it was the only thing that kept him from crying!

He does this passion project for the love of it, the hype that he gets when his subject matter loves his artistic interpretation of them, little did he know that it would lead to him meeting so many of his icons, being hired by them to design all types of merchandise. With strong evidence throughout his entire profile, I think it is safe to say that this guy is a massive Emma Bunton fan, citing her as his favourite of the 5. Having successfully completed his initial mission to gift all 5 his impressions of them (yes, even the VB), he hasn’t looked back!

Despite rubbing shoulders and drawing for the likes of All Saints, Anastacia, Steps and of course the Spice Girls, Sam remains so humble and genuinely shocked at what he has achieved. Believe it or not most of the pieces he posts are available for sale. All you have to do is drop him a DM, he is also available for commissions of your favourite stars.

Check out his Instagram, popdoodle_official, and see for yourself why I’ve become such a fan. I can’t wait to chat with him over drinks at Hoopla and swap Spice Girl stories!