Stunning Queer Berlin Shows and Performances in Summer

Berlin has always been the city of grand stages. Whether it's Shakespeare with a gay storyline, queer and political commentary on the extinction of species, or Berlin's iconic drag shows, the cultural scene always presents a world-class programme for gay, lesbian, and queer visitors in the summer of 2023. Our culture writer Julian Beyer has compiled the best treasures.

Danse Macabre and The Burning of The Bugs

It is not only David Attenborough who casts the spotlight on the extinction of species (including insects!) in his numerous nature documentaries. Joni Barnard and Marc Philipp Gabriel are also keenly aware of the inevitable decline of flying and crawling creatures and queer this topic in a tragi-comic way. You've been warned: be prepared for an impending, but silent, beetle apocalypse, moulting, transformations, evolutions, and perhaps a few deaths.

Joni Barnard & Marc Philipp Gabriel: Danse Macabre and The Burning of The Bugs 29 June until 1 July, 2023
DOCK 11, Kastanienallee 79, 10435 Berlin
Metro station Eberswalder Straße
Website Danse Macabre and The Burning of The Bugs
Website DOCK 11

Romeo & Juliet

Probably the best-known work by the playwright William Shakespeare it is also one of the most widely adapted. The forbidden love of Romeo and Juliet is firmly anchored in (pop) culture. Peter Plate and Ulf Leo Sommer have now rewritten the love story of Romeo and Juliet as Romeo and Mercutio for their musical adaptation of the play. A queer musical adventure awaits visitors to the Theater des Westens. Especially for Rosenstolz fans, Plate's interpretation is a must-watch.

Peter Plate and Ulf Leo Sommer: Romeo & Juliet: Love is Everything – The Musical
Daily performances, except Mondays.
Theater des Westens, Kantstraße 12, 10623 Berlin
Train and metro station Zoologischer Garten
Website von Romeo & Julia
Website vom Theater des Westens

Ringelpiez

After the Romeo & Juliet musical, you’re in for a treat! A lively dance party and drag show will take place on selected evenings in the Spiegel foyer of the Theater des Westens. Here, the drag queen Pansy and her friends will be presiding over a very special dance event. Pansy will also be supported by some stars from the musical. On 21.07.2023 there will be a Pride event in honour of the upcoming CSD.

Ringelpiez
16 June, 21. July and 4 August, 2023
Theater des Westens, Kantstraße 12, 10623 Berlin
Train and metro station Zoologischer Garten
Website Ringelpiez
Website Theater des Westens

Arise – Grand Show

The Friedrichstadt-Palast is well-known for its impressive and breath-taking shows. Arise is no exception in this respect. The enthralling spectacle follows the photographer Cameron and his muse. Over the course of the plot, however, he loses her, and after an emotional downhill slide, he embarks on a journey back in time to a happier period in his life. Can he win back his muse? Over 100 performers fill the stage with dizzying acrobatics, powerful voices, and incredible dancing.

Arise – Grand Show
Until 5 July, 2023 (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday)
Friedrichstadt-Palast Berlin, Friedrichstraße 107, 10117 Berlin
Train and metro station Friedrichstraße
Website von Arise
Website vom Friedrichstadt-Palast Berlin

Firmly entrenched in the Berlin scene for good reason: Edith Schröder.

Indomitably colourful

Edith Schröder has been firing up an eclectic audience - from young and queer to old and straight - at the BKA Theatre for years. With Futschi (brandy and Coke) and Aldi carrier bag in hand, Neukölln's archetypal character always has an adventure in store that makes her audiences roar with laughter. In her latest project, she enlists the support of ex-primary school teacher Karin Hoene, hip-hop grandee Hürriyet Lachmann, and the dim-witted perpetual girlie, Marita. The evening programme also includes a currywurst at Curry36 after the visit to Edith's.

Ades Zabel: Edith Schröder – Indomitably colourful
9 August until 11 August, 2023
BKA-Theater, Mehringdamm 34, 10961 Berlin
Metro station Mehringdamm
Website von Edith Schröder – Unbeugsam Bunt
Website vom BKA-Theater