Welcome to the dreamhouse. Bad Lesbians, the new show from Birmingham company Selina Thompson Ltd, premieres at Friction Arts in Deritend from 12-14 November 2026, and it’s taking on something our community rarely talks about: intimate partner violence in queer relationships.
Don’t expect a lecture. It’s queer, Black, female-led work that tackles a hard subject with offbeat humour and a lot of knowing discomfort. There are only four performances, so here is everything you need to know before you grab your tickets.
What is Bad Lesbians?
Meet Sweetheart, Honey, Babygirl and their emotional (or feral) support dog, as they try to answer Haddaway’s eternal question: what is love? As the trio turn their home into a combat arena, old wounds become weapons, and the show wrestles with the messy truth that love, gentleness and safety can live alongside harm and threat.
The company describes it as “a messy, provocative exploration of intimate partner violence in queer relationships”, and it asks a question that sticks with you: “Who is the villain, when all of us have the ability to cause harm, be harmed and to look away from harm?” It’s a conversation sapphic spaces tend to swerve, and this show drags it right into the spotlight.
Who is behind it?
Selina Thompson Ltd is a Birmingham-based performance and visual arts company whose work has been staged everywhere from pubs and clubs to the National Theatre Studio. Bad Lesbians is led by the company’s associate director Toni-Dee Paul, who also performs alongside Samra Mayanja and Liv Ello, with Jo Tyabji as director. The show has already had work-in-progress showings at Camden People’s Theatre and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe before arriving home in Birmingham.
Is it accessible?
Friction Arts has step-free access with a lift to the upper floors, wheelchair spaces, and accessible, gender-neutral toilets. Ear defenders, fidget toys and a quiet space are available, and you can request a range of seating when you book. Access support workers and personal assistants go free – just book their ticket alongside yours. The performances follow a relaxed-style policy, so you’re welcome to tic, stim, make noise, and leave and come back as you need. Be aware that the show includes loud noises and bright lights, and it’s 18+.
Getting there
Friction Arts is at The Edge on Cheapside in Deritend, on the edge of Digbeth. There’s limited on-site parking (contact the venue to request a space) and on-street parking nearby.
The details:
Event: Bad Lesbians by Selina Thompson Ltd
Date: 12-14 November 2026
Time: Thursday 7.30pm, Friday 7.30pm, Saturday 12.45pm and 8pm
Venue: Friction Arts, The Edge, 79-81 Cheapside, Deritend, Birmingham B12 0QH
Tickets: £11-£15 via Eventbrite
Instagram: @selinatltd
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If anything in this article affects you, Galop runs the National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 999 5428, or visit galop.org.uk.
See you there,
Nonchalant x
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This article was written by one of our creative team writers here at Nonchalant Magazine.
