The Baroque Ball

at Banqueting House

The Baroque Ball

at Banqueting House

Step into King James I’s party palace for an evening of costumes, dance and music.

For one night only, Classical Pride, in partnership with Historic Royal Palaces, presents a unique, sexy and unapologetically gay reimagining of the Baroque balls of the courts of James I and Louis XIV. Directed by Daniel Evans (Co-Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company / RSC) with choreography from Olivier-Award-winning James Cousins (Guys & Dolls, The Bridge Theatre), the Baroque Ball celebrates the era’s greatest LGBTQ+ composers, including Handel, Lully and Corelli, as well as a new aria from William Marsey.

Star singers Anthony Roth Costanzo, Bruno de Sá, Nicky Spence, and Jaye Simmons will compete for the audience’s favour with dazzling arias, dancers will take you through your steps and Ian McKellen will set the scene, with more star names to be announced – all under the baton of Classical Pride founder Oliver Zeffman, directing a period-instrument ensemble.

Think Bridgerton, The Favourite, Madonna's MTV Vogue performance – all to Baroque music.

The Baroque Ball is produced in partnership with Historic Royal Palaces.

To buy tickets for this event please visit our events page: Classical Pride - The Baroque Ball tickets from Skiddle .

FAQs

+ What shall I wear?

You may wish to dress to match the decadent, Baroque-inspired costumes of our cast – or to evoke James I’s parties at Banqueting House, known for their extravagant luxury, heavy drinking and political scandal. Maybe you’d prefer to add a touch of Bridgerton or The Favourite? Or maybe costumes aren’t your thing, which is also fine!

A few ground rules for those who do want to dress up, in order to respect the historic nature of the venue: glitter, body and face paint are all prohibited, as are steel-capped shoes, costumes with decorations that may come loose when worn (e.g. feathers, fur, loose petals) or any props that could be confused as weapons.

+ When shall I arrive?

The Undercroft is the vaulted drinking den beneath Banqueting House, and will be open from 7.30pm for you to grab a drink and explore. The performance upstairs in Banqueting Hall begins at 8.30pm.

+ What will the evening entail?

You will be led through the evening by dancers – this is a Ball, after all – and will find yourself immersed in a sea of performances by star opera singers, backed by an orchestra playing period instruments, entertained by renowned actors, as well as having the opportunity to try out your best 17th-century dance moves (don’t worry, you’ll receive instructions from the pros!). Seating will be limited; it is primarily a standing event.

+ Is Banqueting House accessible?

There is lift access to the Main Hall and there is a ramp to access the Undercroft. There is an accessible toilet available in the Undercroft on the Ground Floor. Should you have any access concerns, please email us here prior to purchasing your ticket.

+ Are there any age restrictions?

This event is for adults only, with drinking and debauchery in keeping with James I’s style of hosting.

+ What is Classical Pride?

Classical Pride is an annual music festival curated by conductor Oliver Zeffman to celebrate the breadth and diversity of LGBTQ+ artists across classical music. Find this year's full programme here.

Get Tickets