LGBTQ+, Storytelling

Queer Folks' Tales

with Turan Ali, Jo Clifford, Leyla Josephine and Mike McKenzie

(Thu 11 Apr: 7:30pm - SOLD OUT)

Welcome to Queer Folks’ Tales, our hugely popular bi-monthly storytelling series where queer storytellers from a diverse range of backgrounds, ages and cultures around Edinburgh and Scotland share stories of LGBTQ+ lives, past, present and future. Sometimes hilarious, often moving, occasionally shocking, the mix of true and fictional stories across the year is as varied as the range of storytellers we invite.

Household names feature alongside new and diverse queer storytellers from the different communities of Scotland. Many of the stories told in the Queer Folks' Tales evenings will be true stories of LGBTQ+ experience in Scotland today. Hosted by Edinburgh’s Turan Ali, joined in April by Jo Clifford and Leyla Josephine plus acclaimed singer-songwriter Mike McKenzie. In a last minute change to the lineup we are pleased to welcome Jo Clifford back to the stage, replacing Harry Mould.

Turan Ali has been producing, directing and writing BBC Radio dramas and comedies for over 20 years. He has also been telling stories of queer lives and experiences on stage since 2012, and more recently as a stand up. His shows have toured internationally and he has two sell out monthly storytelling shows in Vienna. He is the host and producer of Queer Folks’ Tales.

Jo Clifford is a proud father and grandmother, playwright and performer, based in Edinburgh. She is the author of over 100 plays, many of which have been performed all over the world. As a writer performer, she is best known for The Gospel According to Jesus, Queen of Heaven, amongst many other great pieces. Jo was in the first ever Queer Folks' Tales in October 2021 and we are delighted to have her back.

Leyla Josephine is a poet, screenwriter, performer and educator originally from Glasgow, currently living in south Ayrshire. She has won a number of awards for her poetry. Her shows include the critically praised Hopeless and Daddy Drag, which explores memories of Leyla's father.

Mike McKenzie is an award winning singer/songwriter based in Edinburgh. His eclectic influences create a unique writing style. He’s performed in some of Scotland's most iconic venues (Barrowland Ballroom, King Tut's, Mash House). He also recently joined forces with legendary synth player PJ Moore (The Blue Nile) and composer Malcolm Lindsay as the lead singer for their collaborative project PJ Moore & Co.