Pleasure-seeking King Edward II (Steven Waddington) sets the stage for a palace revolt by taking as a lover the ambitious Piers Gaveston (Andrew Tiernan) – who uses his favour in bed to wield political influence – sending the pair from the throne to a terminal torture dungeon.

This landmark of gay cinema features an incredible performance from Jarman muse and Oscar-winner Tilda Swinton as Edward’s spurned Queen Isabella. Staged in an imaginary realm outside of time (at one point Annie Lennox appears to sing Cole Porter), Edward II is a bold commentary on homophobia in contemporary Britain.

Screening as part of QFT’s LGBT History Month season, Edward II will be introduced Ruth McCarthy, Artistic Director for Outburst Queer Arts Festival.