🏳️🌈 An open, participatory evening of queer voices, texts, and shared expression 🏳️🌈
Presented as part of Squash the Beef Weekender: a Roadworks Media Showcase, taking place at Arcade from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 July.
Join us for an evening Pride gathering at Arcade in South Bermondsey, hosted by artist Marijke De Roover; a part-time professional karaoke singer and meme connoisseur, and is widely known for her queer and feminist performance work.
Pride Speech Karaoke (18+) is an open mic-style evening where speeches, monologues, poems, and lyrics take the spotlight 🎤 Bring a text that matters to you — your own words or something you love — and perform it however you like, or simply come along to listen.
A curated selection of queer texts will also be available on the night, drawing on voices such as Audre Lorde, James Baldwin, Derek Jarman, and others; spanning political, poetic, and personal registers.
The evening brings together a wide range of voices — historic and contemporary — opening space for reflection, expression, and shared presence.
You can take part in whatever way feels right:
- read a text aloud
- perform or reinterpret it
- join in collectively
- or simply listen
There is no pressure to perform. The emphasis is on creating a space that feels informal, open, and attentive — where different voices can be heard and held in common.
Refreshments will be available, with a relaxed, social atmosphere throughout the evening.
Whether you come alone or with others, you’re very welcome.
A space to listen, speak, and share.
Free to attend (booking required).
Please only book if you’re planning to attend: spaces are limited.
Hosted by This is Arcade CIC in partnership with Roadworks Media, with kind support from Southwark Council.