Queer Joy, Yellow Warmth, and Standing Up to Conversion Practices

Lilwen Faulkner on ‘The Quietening’ at The Cockpit

After the success of our 2025 Camden Fringe Interviews, we thought it only right to attempt a repeat for 2026. So throughout July we’ll be publishing new interviews each day to give a taste of what to expect from London’s best fringe theatre festival. The festival starts Monday 3 August this year, so we may give ourselves a couple of days off inbetween the end of the interviews and the first shows… then again, we might not.

You can find out more about Camden Fringe, along with details of every show playing this August here. You can also find all of this year’s interviews as they are published here.

At a time when conversations around LGBTQ+ rights continue to spark intense national debate, theatre remains one of our most powerful tools for fostering empathy, awareness, and community. Coming to The Cockpit this August for Camden Fringe, The Quietening is a tender yet urgent new play that centres queer community, quiet resilience, and authentic joy.

Produced by Half Light Creative and written by Lilwen Faulkner, the production follows the journey of its protagonist, Jacob, shedding light on the devastating realities of conversion practices while celebrating the healing power of love and acceptance. Partnering directly with LGBTQ+ anti-abuse charity Galop, the team aims to leave audiences both moved and inspired to take action.

We spoke with Lilwen about the play’s journey through scratch nights, choosing a signature shade of yellow, and why 2026 is the critical moment to tell Jacob’s story

If you had to describe the vibe of The Quietening in just one sentence, what would it be?

The show is about queer community and joy, brought to life by an awesome cast and moments of warmth and joy.

Why is 2026 the crucial moment for audiences to experience The Quietening?

We’re seeing increasing rollbacks in LGBTQ+ rights, and the conversion therapy ban bill is still stalled in government. If not now, when?

How has the script developed since you first put pen to paper?

Thanks to my excellent dramaturg and director, the play has changed a lot since I first wrote it. It’s been through scratch nights and multiple drafts, even since the first read-through. We’ve each put a lot of effort into getting this important story right.

What does “success” look like for you this August, beyond just ticket sales?

For The Quietening, success looks like an audience member going home thinking about the protagonist, Jacob, and the things he’s been through. It also looks like them potentially looking up conversion practices, and engaging with the resources and information out there about the ban. We’ll also be giving out resources from the LGBTQ+ charity Galop before and after the shows.

If you had to describe your show as a colour, what would it be and why?

It’s a colour we’ve used a lot on the promotional material for The Quietening, but the show would be yellow. It’s striking, but it’s also joyful in a quiet way.

If your show had a signature song on its soundtrack, what would it be?

“Home” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. It’s got that upbeat vibe to it, and it’s about loving and accepting someone exactly as they are.

What advice would you give to anyone considering bringing a show to Camden Fringe next year?

I’d just say go for it! It’s been such a fun experience so far, and one I’ll definitely remember. It’s also such a great chance to test out some new work without needing to do a full run.

Many thanks to Lilwen for their time. You will be able to watch The Quietening when it plays at The Cockpit on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August as part of Camden Fringe.