Harry Potter producer developing new LGBTQ-focused work

9th April 2018

Dan Wooller

Sonia Friedman has revealed plans to represent the queer community in London’s West End within 12 months.

Speaking to Gay Times at the 2018 Olivier Awards on if she will champion LGBTQ-focused theatre within the mainstream, the British producer said: “Absolutely, and I’m very much… I’m hoping that I’m about to be announcing something that answers that very question any moment now.

“It is, and in fact… I’m not just saying it because Gay Times is asking me the question, but it’s the very conversation I’m having with the staff in my office about how we can tell those stories. I’m looking to the people in my office who know more about it than me to teach me.”

Friedman most recently brought Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Dreamgirls and The Ferryman to the West End.

“I’m of a particular age now and know that if I’m going to continue to do theatre that represents now, I’m going to have to work with younger generations to keep me stimulated and keep me fired up to tell those stories,” she added.

“So yes, see me next year and if I haven’t done anything then wrap me over the knuckles. Seriously!”

From everyone at #SFP, a thoroughly deserved congratulations to @davidyoungvic for his special award at the 2018 #OlivierAwards pic.twitter.com/9WBwYJSMa5

— Sonia Friedman Productions (@SFP_London) April 8, 2018

Held at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall on Sunday night and hosted by Catherine Tate, the Olivier Awards 2018 saw LGBTQ theatre win big on the night with Angels in America scooping two prizes.

The National Theatre production of Tony Kushner’s Pulitzer Prize winning play was presented with the Olivier Award for Best Revival of a Play and Best Supporting Actress in a Play for Denise Gough.

The show, which ran to critical acclaim at the National Theatre this year, included Andrew Garfield, Nathan Lane and Russell Tovey. It’s now playing on Broadway to critical acclaim.

#AngelsinAmerica wins BEST REVIVAL at the #OlivierAwards!

Congratulations to all involved pic.twitter.com/r4n9mDvhVR

— National Theatre (@NationalTheatre) April 8, 2018

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical about US founding father Alexander Hamilton collected a record-breaking seven awards, including Best New Musical and Best Actor in a Musical.

Sam Mendes’ The Ferryman took home Best Director alongside Best Actress in a Play and Best Play. The Broadway-bound piece is set in County Armagh in 1981.

Elsewhere, the 2018 Olivier Awards stood in solidarity with the Time’s Up movement and 50:50 to call time on sexual harassment – activists joining the West End’s finest as their guest for the night.