The confetti has been swept away, the sequins are back in the drawer, and London is blinking its way into a brand new year. Welcome to our January New Year issue of Gay London Life, a special extended edition designed to carry you right through to the end of the month and set the tone for 2026. January is often painted as a pause, but we prefer to see it as a reset, a moment for intention, inspiration and a little indulgence.
Our cover story this month celebrates theatre that does more than entertain. As Hive North brings David Drake’s queer classic The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me to Seven Dials Playhouse this February, we explore how storytelling can be a form of activism, reflection and resistance. This is theatre with teeth, heart and something urgent to say, reminding us that queer stories do not just mirror the world around us, they help shape it.
Inside, our In The Know pages are packed with people and places, helping to kick-start the year with purpose. January is prime time for big life moments, and if you are planning a wedding, vow renewal or renaming ceremony, Martin Fox Roberts of Proud Fox Ceremonies is the celebrant trusted to bring deeply personal visions to life. From the first conversation to the final words spoken on the day, Proud Fox Ceremonies has helped countless couples and individuals mark milestones in a way that feels authentic and unforgettable.
We also shine a light on Boys! Boys! Boys!, the thriving queer creative hub at 30c Warren Street. What began as a gallery programme has grown into a cultural home for queer photography, conversation and connection. Expect exhibitions, beautifully curated prints and books, a welcoming cafe bar serving wine, beer and coffee, and weekly Wednesday talks from queer creatives sharing their work and ideas. Add in a biannual zine, a podcast and photography courses, and it is clear why BBB has become one of London’s most exciting creative spaces.
For those looking inward as the year begins, Aesthetic Man by Paul Olavesen Stabb offers a thoughtful guide to balance, wellbeing and self-awareness. Released in December, the book explores how health, confidence, relationships, fitness and lifestyle are deeply connected. It is a grounded and empowering read that encourages men to take ownership of their wellbeing at any stage of life, with practical advice rooted in long-term balance rather than quick fixes.
Theatre lovers are well catered for this month. Writer and actor Levi Kreis opens up about the inspiration behind his deeply personal new musical, Already Perfect, while our resident theatre expert Thomas Magill casts his eye across the West End and beyond to highlight the shows worth your time this January. If you are craving something loud, rude and joyful, He’s Behind You!’s Beauty and the Beast: A Horny Love Story continues its gloriously filthy run at Charing Cross Theatre until January 11th. It is camp, chaotic and surprisingly big-hearted, proof that January can still sparkle.
We also meet the London Rockin’ Rollers, bringing fearless queer energy to roller derby and inviting new skaters to lace up, choose an alter ego and join the fun. Elsewhere, we step onto the mat with Brewer Street Yoga to explore what it means to create a wellness space designed specifically for gay men, where community is just as important as flexibility.
Our pages are bursting with moments from the year just gone too, with a special Picture Review of 2025 capturing the faces, nights and memories that defined it. We celebrate Ku Bar’s big birthday, relive Tonker’s reunion birthday with Bear Bash at Eagle, and round up all the best places to be seen on the scene this January so you can plan your nights with confidence.
And finally, he is back. After his memorable summer on I Kissed A Boy, Agony Adam returns to tackle your dilemmas big and small with warmth, wit and honesty. Because a new year always brings new questions.
January does not have to be quiet. Dive in, take your time, and let Gay London Life be your guide as 2026 gets underway.
Read the January 2026 issue here!
