In Conversation with Martin Sherman and Nathan Evans

Join us for a special in-conversation event featuring acclaimed playwright, Martin Sherman, author of recently published biography On the Boardwalk, with writer and broadcaster Nathan Evans.

Martin reflects on the dazzling yet turbulent journey of his life from a Jewish immigrant family in 1930s New Jersey to the stages of Broadway and the West End, exploring fame, family, sexuality, and the creation of his landmark play Bent. This intimate discussion celebrates queer storytelling, theatre history, and the power of memoir. 

This is sure to be an insightful in-conversation tracing queer lives across decades of cultural change, from activism and artistry to legacy and survival. 

3-Day Festival and Friday Pass holders: This event is free to attend with your pass, but advance registration is required as places are limited. Please book a Pass Holder Free Registration ticket to reserve your place. Without a reservation, we cannot guarantee entry.

Martin Sherman is an award‑winning playwright and screenwriter whose work has been produced worldwide. He is best known for Bent (Royal Court/Criterion/Broadway), later revived at the National Theatre and adapted for film. His stage work includes Messiah, When She Danced, A Madhouse in Goa, Some Sunny Day, Rose, The Boy from Oz, and adaptations such as A Passage to India. Screen credits include Mrs Henderson Presents, Alive and Kicking, Callas Forever, and Frank and Percy. His recent plays include Gently Down the Stream, with I’ll Be Seeing You premiering at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre in September 2026.

Nathan Evans (host) is a writer and performer. Publications include novella One Last Song, an i newspaper ‘best book’ for Pride 2024 which was long-listed for Polari Book Prize, a collection of short fiction, All the Young Queers, and poetry collections Threads, CNUT and Homography. He hosts Bold Queer Poetry Soirée and has also hosted events for Charleston Small Wonder, Stoke Newington Literary Festival and Hastings Book Festival. His work in film and theatre has been funded by the Arts Council, toured by the British Council, broadcast on Channel 4, archived by the BFI. An associate lecturer in Creative Writing at London Met University, he has also taught at Arvon and is founding editor of Inkandescent, whose publications include On the Boardwalk by Martin Sherman.