From a conventional Surrey upbringing to global notoriety via The Naked Civil Servant, Quentin Crisp was an extraordinary raconteur and wit.

Openly gay as early as the 1930s, Quentin spent decades being beaten up on London’s streets simply for his refusal to be anything less than himself. His steadfast courage, and the powerful philosophy that evolved from those experiences, continue to inspire to the present day.

This much-acclaimed solo play, following a UK tour and off-West End season at the St. James Theatre, shows Quentin both in his beloved Chelsea flat as the 1970s dawned, and in his final years in his adopted New York, with the new millennium beckoning.

Naked Hope is a gloriously uplifting salute to a true one-off, and a timely reminder of the urgent necessity to live every day as your true self.

Mark Farrelly’s West End credits include Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? opposite Matthew Kelly. He is directed by renowned EastEnders star Linda Marlowe, who has won awards for her own solo work such as Berkoff’s Women.

Press for this production

this was a mesmerising and totally compelling performance by a consummate artist whose acting skill and verbal dexterity got Quentin back from the grave and ruling the roost in SE London once more ★★★★★ Lastminute Theatre Tickets

a proper celebration of a truly witty outsider ★★★★ London Theatre1

Farrelly’s mastery of his audience is total. Brilliant. ★★★★ Time Out

★★★★ Metro  ★★★★ The Stage ★★★★ British Theatre Guide

★★★★ Broadway Baby  ★★★★ Exeunt  ★★★★ The Reviews Hub