The Source, Theatre Square, Stratford – 25 September 2025
Reviewed by Antony Strange
5*****
Heartfelt, hilarious, and defiantly human, The Lesbians of Forest Gate is a tapestry of queer resilience devised from interviews with lesbian, queer, bisexual, asexual, non-binary, and transgender residents of Forest Gate throughout the last six decades. The show is set in 1995, where Kelly (Abby Walburn) has been put on trial by the Lesbian Council of Forest Gate after her situationship, Amanda (Rebeka Dio), saw her kissing a man. The council unpack ideas of what it means to be a Lesbian and where the boundaries of these labels lie.
Emily Wollenberg seamlessly created and directed a show which perfectly balanced group scenes with poignant monologues. There are very clever breaks in the council meeting to allow individual characters to own the stage and tell the stories of residents of Forest Gate. Through this they reflect on their own experiences of finding themselves and the struggles they have faced and are facing. Stephanie Abadom, as Maureen, stood out with the emotion she was able to evoke through her experience of her brother being unwell with HIV/AIDS. This was displayed not only in her monologues, but also throughout the busy council meetings. Ana Sofia Caldas also brought the beautiful character of Margarida to life, who is young and still trying to figure out her sexuality. The Lesbians of Forest Gate wouldn’t have provoked the same extent of laughter without Mal Owen as Heather, who brought so much life, energy, and character to the stage.
This show, despite being steeped in humour, does not shy away from darkness. Stories of intimidation, violence, acceptance, and the impact of HIV and AIDS sit beside the laughter, spreading important messages about the struggles of everyday life throughout the decades. The set being minimal also played into this as it allowed the audience to feel closer to the story and almost part of the council meeting. This is built upon further at the end of the performance, where a recording is played while the cast freeze and look out to the audience as the lights dim. The recording contains the voices of the real Forest Gate residents talking about discrimination, belonging and pride to be who they are, which leaves a very powerful message for the audience to digest after the show.
The Lesbians of Forest Gate is raw, hilarious, and steeped in real local history. It is a powerful display of love, friendship, and the struggles of the queer community through the years.