Join us for this panel discussion around queer British musical theatre, celebrating what has and is already happening and asking where and how we move forwards. Come along to hear from three award-winning creatives as they discuss putting queer people in British musical theatre narratives in the work they've created, hosted by Dan Hill, Deputy Front of House Manager at CFT.

Meet the panel

Dan Hill

Dan Hill is the Deputy Front of House Manager at Chichester Festival Theatre, often Duty Managing across the three venues on site. He is also a researcher and current part-time PhD Student at the University of Exeter in the Department of Drama working with his supervisory team of Dr Evelyn O’Malley and Dr Benedict Morrison. His central research question focuses on how British musical theatre uses song to present and explore queer identities since 2017. His queer temporal approach explores performances of history, childhood, normativity and platonic relationships with the aim to celebrate and produce a snapshot of contemporary queer British musical theatre.

Chris Bush

Chris Bush is an Olivier Award-winning playwright, lyricist and theatre-maker. Past work includes Otherland (Almeida Theatre, Susan Smith Blackburn Prize finalist), Standing at the Sky's Edge (Sheffield Crucible/National Theatre/West End), Pericles; The Odyssey (both National Theatre: Olivier), Jane Eyre (Stephen Joseph Theatre/New Vic Theatre) and Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World (Kenny Wax, UK Tour). Awards/prizes include an Olivier Award for Best New Musical, a South Bank Sky Arts Award for Best Theatre and three UK Theatre Awards.

Rachael Mailer

Rachael Mailer is a comedy writer and composer with a dedicated focus on queer representation on stage and in music. Following their professional debut into the musical theatre scene with their original musical Diary of a Gay Disaster, they are now pouring their energy into making more work which resonates with their community. The heart of their work is believing in the power of humour to drive change and challenge social norms. After having queer work staged at Southwark Playhouse and Arcola Theatre, they’re currently working on a new musical exploring a family navigating dementia, generational trauma and grief.

Sam Woof

Sam Woof is a London based writer, composer and director. They were one of The Stage’s Fringe Five in 2023 and won the JMK’s inaugural August O’Neil Award in 2024. Their credits include Four Felons and a Funeral (Birmingham Hippodrome and tour), The Swell (Orange Tree Theatre and The Circle (Theatre Royal Bath tour). Sam is the artistic director of GOYA theatre company, and was the Resident Assistant Director at the Orange Tree Theatre in 2023. They are currently under commission to write a play about Ivor Novello, as well as a number of musicals including a reimagining of Macbeth set in a Michelin starred kitchen.