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Happy In Vain at Lion & Unicorn Theatre
Dates: 17/11/2026- 21/11/2026
📍 Theatre: Lion & Unicorn Theatre
nothing theatre
42-44 Gaisford Street
London, NW5 2ED
Tickets: $13–$15 — Concessions tickets are for under 16s, students (NUS), over 60s, unwaged and Equity members.
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In 2026, Thomas is no stranger to a stranger’s bed. Week after week, he parties. Hard. But after a hookup and on the advice of his best friend, he tests positive for HIV. In a wave of guilt and shame, he is invited to be the first person to take part in a new drug trial to combat the virus. In 1986, Fred can’t go a day without a pint at the Watson’s Arms. Always with a drink in hand and a scoop of Brylcreem in his hair, he lives for the party. But when his girlfriend calls with the news of his mum’s hospitalisation, the cracks start to show. What she doesn’t know is that Fred has been meeting another man. Despite his prejudices, he continues these acts of curiosity and self-destruction, doubting everything he believes in. Science has progressed, but the stigmas remain. Two young men, forty years apart yet both terrified of what the future holds, encounter loss, guilt and brief yet life-changing decisions.
CONTENT ADVISORY:
Strong language including homophobic language Alcohol & substance misuse Themes of sex, loss and grief
WRITTEN BY: Rupert Shirley
DIRECTED BY: Nina Fuentes
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Lara May
DRAMATURG: Luis Hopkins
CAST: Roshaan Sharpe, Leo Sermulins, Freya Woolf, Frances Eva, James Gwilym
RUNNING TIME: Approx. 80 minutes
PRAISE FOR PREVIOUS WORK
“A perfect piece of theatre” “A beautiful love story that already feels like a classic” – Green Room Reviews
“Simply exceptional” – LondonTheatre1
“A piece that needs to be watched” – Lottie’s London Review
“A highly rewarding, no-frills gem of rock-solid theatre” – Broadway Baby
“Nothing short of perfect” – The Revue
“It's often clear how talented Nina Fuentes is” – Everything Theatre
Cast and Creative Team for Happy In Vain at Lion & Unicorn Theatre
Cast
Roshaan Sharpe
Thomas
Roshaan is an actor, singer and dancer from South London. He trained at The Brit School and graduated in 2019. He most recently appeared in Boy Meets Girl? at The Other Palace.
Leo Sermulins
Fred
Leo trained in Musical Theatre with Acting for Film at the University of Chichester before going onto perform as Marius in Les Misérables at the Bristol Hippodrome and Prince Charming in Telford’s Pantomime Cinderella. He will reprise this role this Christmas in Christchurch.
Freya Woolf
Scarlett
Freya is a London-based actor, singer and performance artist. She trained at ArtsEd (2020-23) and is graduating from the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama in 2027. Credits during training include pool (no water) (2022) and RAGE (2023).
Frances Eva
Janine
Frances is a Manchester-born actor who trained at Drama Studio London (2023). She performs around the UK in the live improv D&D show It's Your Role. She co-wrote the mythical dark comedy BLOOD BATH (2024) with her company Wild Folly. Recent credits include Taylor-Made Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the B*dy, The Murder Express and The Lurk (all 2025).
James Gwilym
Him
James is a recent graduate of The Lir Academy, Dublin. His credits whilst training include Six Degrees of Separation, Love’s Labour’s Lost, No Tall Flowers and The Moors (GradFest2026). Other credits include Immaculate (Suffragette Theatre), Twelfth Night (DUCT) and Arkelstorp (Mr Morals Productions). He is also the writer of If That’s What You Want, Then Yes (Suffragette Theatre).
Creative Team
Rupert Shirley
Writer
Rupert is a writer, facilitator and performer with a passion for queer and political histories. He recently used historical documents to create Elvira’s Fabulation, a play surrounding the true story of a World War Two spy, whilst in residence at The National Archives. He is also a writer and actor for an upcoming sketch comedy pilot Shut Up, I Hate You.
Nina Fuentes
Director
Nina is a working-class playwright, director & producer. She is a recent playwriting BA graduate from the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama and is currently training there for her MA. She has had work on at the Bush Theatre, Riverside Studios and broadcast on BBC Radio. Recent credits include Let Her Liv*, Welcome Smudge, Taylor-Made Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying & Love the B*dy and A Million Miles Under Hampstead Heath. Nina is also an Associate Artist of the Lion & Unicorn Theatre.
Lara May
Assistant Director
Lara is a recently graduated writer, dramaturg and performer. In her work she strives to create stories that are both playful and provocative. Her previous collaborations include The Eye of Now, Your Heart’s Desire (both 2026) and Grimm Tales (2025). Lara is a co-artistic director of newly founded theatre company Loud Frills.
News About Happy In Vain at Lion & Unicorn Theatre
We have no news on this show at the current time.
About the Theatre
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Lion & Unicorn Theatre Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
Where is Lion & Unicorn Theatre located?
Lion & Unicorn Theatre is at 42-44 Gaisford Street, London.
What shows have played recently at Lion & Unicorn Theatre?
Uncle Monty's Antique Shop (10/13/26-10/17/26)
Don't Look at Me: A modern retelling of Medusa (08/07/26-08/09/26)
It Wasn't Like That (06/24/26-06/26/26)
Don't Look at Me: A modern retelling of Medusa (08/07/26-08/09/26)
It Wasn't Like That (06/24/26-06/26/26)
What is the running time?
Approx. 80 mins
Is there an intermission?
No
What ages is this show appropriate for?
Recommended for Ages 15+.
Is the theatre accessible?
Unfortunately the theatre is not an accessible venue. The theatre space is only accessible via a tight two-flight staircase above the pub.
What is the late seating policy?
No latecomers admitted. Please contact @nothingtheatre on Instagram if you are running late as soon as you can. We cannot guarantee that this will mean you will be admitted though.
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