Vanessa Williams and West End stars discuss Pride, allyship and community in new video series
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We have launched a [brand-new video series](https://www.instagram.com/londontheatredirect/) celebrating Pride Month, bringing together some of the biggest names in the West End to explore the relationship between theatre and the [LGBTQ+](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/tickets/lgbtq-theatre-guide) community.
Featuring stars from leading productions including [*The Devil Wears Prada*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/the-devil-wears-prada-tickets), [*Kinky Boots*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/kinky-boots-tickets), [*Oh, Mary!*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/oh-mary-tickets) and more, the series discusses the importance of representation, allyship and the role theatre plays as a space for belonging, creativity and self-expression.
Stage and screen star **Vanessa Williams** (*Ugly Betty, The Devil Wears Prada, Desperate Housewive*s), Olivier Award winner **Matt Henry** (*Kinky Boots, The Lion King, The Devil Wears Prada*) and actor **Dino Fetscher** (*Oh, Mary!, Silent Witness, Under Salt Marshes*) speak exclusively to us about Pride, the community and how to be the best ally possible.
They are joined throughout the series by **Ru Fisher** and **Tosh Awanogho-Maud** (Kinky Boots), **Freddie King** and **Michael Vinsen** ([*Titanique*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/titanique-tickets)), and **James Davies-Williams** and **Katie Bradley** ([*Moulin Rouge! The Musical*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/moulin-rouge-tickets)), representing members of the industry both on and off stage.
The piece is hosted by drag queen and star of the London cabaret scene, **Yshee Black**, whose career has included work on C4's *Late Night Lycett with Joe Lycett*, BBC interviews, performances in the West End and international appearances spanning more than a decade.
At a time when Pride celebrations, queer venues and independent LGBTQ+ organisations are facing increasingly difficult times, the project aims to educate, enlighten and uplift fans of theatre and beyond, helping to celebrate actors, front and back of house workers, producers and everyone else who helps make the theatre industry what it is.
Speaking as part of the series, **Vanessa Williams** says: “Activism makes a difference. Whatever you choose to do, people will notice.” On allyship, she adds: “Every chance you can take, be active.”
**Matt Henry** reflects on the support within the community, saying: “People in our community are very open and giving. Never be scared to reach out to those people”
Meanwhile, **Tosh Awanogho-Maud** highlights the importance of standing together: “A lot of awful things can happen when people focus on self-preservation. But amazing things can happen when people are brave.
### **The project was created by Ollie Tunmore and Glen Facey of London Theatre Direct.**
**They commented:**
"We are so delighted to be working on this fabulous piece of content on behalf of London Theatre Direct. We have access to some of the leading shows from within the West End and consequently, some of the best talent the industry has to offer.”
**Jess McCorie, Director of Partnerships and Campaigns at London Theatre Direct, added:**
“Our shows and partners are the beating heart of our work. It’s a privilege to support them all-year round and are very thankful to the shows, the cast members and all involved for helping to make this project happen. The LGBTQ+ community and its allies are such an integral part of the wonderful world of theatre and we are so pleased to be able to represent it through this feature, during Pride Month.”
**Dame Rosemary Squire, Joint CEO of Trafalgar Entertainment, concluded:**
“Theatre has always been a powerful home for expression, identity and belonging - values that lie at the very heart of the LGBTQ+ community. Initiatives like this not only celebrate the extraordinary talent within our industry, but also reaffirm our responsibility to champion visibility, inclusivity and allyship, both on and off the stage.”
Head over to our [**Instagram**](https://www.instagram.com/londontheatredirect/) to watch the full series unfold, with the first video available to watch now.