Words: Elodie Marriott
Image: Danny with a Camera

4 stars

Linus Karp is no stranger to queer icons. Previously he’s played The People’s Princess, Gwyneth Paltrow, and even a Jellicle Cat, but this year he returns to the stage to shine a spotlight on a different diva. Himself.

Linus Karp Was Hit With An Umbrella tells the true — albeit with a comically theatrical script and much audience participation — story of his assault. In 2024, he was physically attacked in the street while walking in London with his now-husband, Joseph Martin. While fans of Awkward Prods can expect another stellar storytelling performance from Karp, the campy playfulness that usually defines their shows has been dialled down to appropriately tell this tale.

The set design is striking, a background of chalk outlines representing key locations (Soho Theatre and G-A-Y, of course), featuring a blue plaque to mark an important spot: ‘Lady Di hugged a gay boy here’. The show is deeply personal, showing that Karp doesn’t need wigs or fur to be engaging, he is simply a star in whichever story he chooses to tell. 

Karp ensures we leave on a high, and encourages us to continue celebrating and supporting queer love. To help us in our efforts, we are offered suggestions on our way out. One reads: ‘I commit to buying (and wearing) a jockstrap’. Anything you say, Linus.

Linus Karp Was Hit With An Umbrella
Friesian at Underbelly, Bristo Square
20.20
5-30 Aug