Daddy’s First Gay Date: New Queer Rom-Com by Sam Danson Premieres at Seven Dials Playhouse This Autumn
Seven Dials Playhouse, London | 28 October – 16 November 2025
Daddy’s First Gay Date, a fresh and funny queer rom-com written and performed by Sam Danson and directed by award-winning playwright and LGBTQ+ advocate Rikki Beadle-Blair, makes its London debut this autumn at Seven Dials Playhouse.
The play centres on Ben, a man in his early 30s who, after courageously ending a 15-year heterosexual relationship, learns he is about to become a father. That very same night, Ben steps into unfamiliar territory with his first-ever date with a man, Tim, a British-Jamaican visitor to the small northern industrial town they both call home. Their encounter is both tender and turbulent, exploring themes of masculinity, shame, bisexuality, and the often-complicated reality of queer life far from the big-city spotlight.
Sam Danson’s previous work, including his debut play BI-TOPIA, received widespread critical acclaim for its blend of heartfelt storytelling and sharp humour, with The Stage praising it as “extremely moving, nuanced… steeped in humour.” Daddy’s First Gay Date builds on these themes while shining a light on the nuanced queer experiences often overlooked in theatre, from the challenges of coming out later in life to the intersections of race, class, and identity.
Director Rikki Beadle-Blair, renowned for his groundbreaking work in theatre, film, and television, brings a rich understanding of diverse queer stories to the production. His commitment to championing LGBTQ+ voices and telling authentic stories makes him an ideal collaborator for Danson’s intimate and poignant play.
The cast includes Sam Danson as Ben, Dior Clarke as Tim, who brings his own passion for empowering Black LGBTQ+ and working-class voices to the role, and Megan Edmondson as Helen.
Set in a small, industrial northern town, Daddy’s First Gay Date highlights the contrast between the freedom of queer life in metropolitan hubs and the isolation felt by many in smaller communities. The play also touches on the impact of dating apps, racial microaggressions, and the complex navigation of identity and acceptance in environments where being openly queer can still be fraught.
Venue: Seven Dials Playhouse, 1A Tower Street, London WC2H 9NP
Dates: 28 October – 16 November 2025
For tickets and more details, visit: Seven Dials Playhouse – Daddy’s First Gay Date.
Elena Leo is the Arts & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.
