Gay London Life | November '26 Edition - Magazine - Page 4
Photo by Johan Persson
time ago so I’ve got to see the script at different
stages and it just keeps getting funnier!
How does adult panto compare with the West End?
Well we are just around the corner from some of
the biggest shows in town. Their theatres may be
bigger but our audiences will be laughing louder!
I think there’s something special about having our
Photo by Steve Gregson
Buttons,
Balls and a
Very Naughty
Christmas!
mucky queer Christmas show right in the heart of
town, a proper show with gorgeous production
values, that people travel far to see, but it remains
uncompromisingly and outrageously gay. I love that
everyone’s welcome but it’s absolutely – to nod to
George Michael - our culture.
What did you love most about last year’s Beauty
and the Beast?
Last year was my first adult panto and I loved the fun
we had on stage, the interactions with the audience.
Seeing how much they enjoyed it. And getting to
sing filthy, funny lyrics.
Why do queer audiences and panto work so
brilliantly together?
We know how to have a good time! We can make
fun of ourselves and others and know the jokes are
never meant in offence, just joy!!
What’s been your career highlight so far?
I played Ryan Evans in the High School musical 2 UK
tour. It was my first job out of college and everything
was so exciting. And Ryan was pretty camp so was
basically playing myself.
What’s still on your theatrical bucket list?
I always thought I would have liked to have been in
Book of Mormon. Similar to our Panto, the show
gets a lot of laughs and can shock the audience in a
fantastic way.
How naughty does Buttons Undone get?
We will not be on Santa’s nice list. We are naughty in
all the best ways!
Finally, why should GLL readers come and see
the show?
It’s a non family friendly great night out!! Come have
He’s Behind You! returns to Charing Cross Theatre with Cinderella:
Buttons Undone, another gloriously filthy festive panto. GLL catches
up with cast member Matt Kennedy about queer Christmas traditions,
outrageous innuendo and getting his arse out on stage.
a drink and have a laugh with us - oh and I got my
arse out last year and will try my hardest to try and
get it out again at every opportunity this year.
With that particular promise hanging in the air,
Forget everything you remember about Cinderella.
I jumped at the chance to come back again this year.
Christmas at Charing Cross Theatre is shaping up
London’s favourite gay adult panto company, He’s
It’s a great team and cast and honestly last year was
to be anything but traditional. Expect big laughs,
Behind You!, is back with Cinderella: Buttons Undone!,
the most fun I’ve ever had on stage.
bigger innuendos and a celebration of queer theatre
bringing another helping of festive filth to the West End.
Tell us about your Buttons in Buttons Undone.
that knows exactly who it’s entertaining.
This time, we’re off to the seaside resort
Buttons is fun loving and single, and likes it
of Lob-on-Sea, where tennis champion Ivan
that way. He doesn’t want to be tied down in a
Cinderella: Buttons Undone!
Yassandvich is preparing to hold a ball, Cinderella
relationship (though in other ways - yes). That’s
runs from 21 November 2026 to 9 January
is looking for love and her gay best friend Buttons
what he tells himself anyway, but doesn’t love
2027 at Charing Cross Theatre, Villiers Street,
has quite enough going on in his own life.
always come knocking when you’re least looking
London. Strictly 18+.
for it? As you might expect, Buttons is Cinderella’s
Tickets and further information:
A Horny Love Story, the company returns with its
best friend, but in our version his own life gets
www.hesbehindyou.com
trademark mix of outrageous comedy, original
chaotically in the way of the traditional rags to
songs and unapologetically queer storytelling.
riches fairytale. It’s meant to be Cinders’ story but
We caught up with Matt Kennedy, who’s
you could say he gets main character syndrome…!
Following last year’s Beauty and the Beast:
returning for another season of festive misbehaviour,
What was your reaction when you first read
to find out what audiences can expect.
the script?
That it was hilarious as always, full of wit, filth, and
What brought you back for another He’s Behind
camp. Everything you come to expect from a HBY
You! panto?
panto. I was invited to be in this year’s show some
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