Queer Horror Nights celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the much-loved cult movie musical LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS with a special midnight screening of the radical 2012 Director’s Cut. Join us for an outrageous night of queer monstrosity featuring a passionate intro by film fanatic Token Homo (BAR TRASH), live commentary by cult icon Loose Willis (FIST CLUB), lip-synch by the incredible Miss Terri Boxx (SLAYSTATION), some special guests, and you, singing your queer heart out! This is a ‘costume, kink and fetish-friendly’ event that’s strictly for adults 18+ only. 

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS: THE DIRECTOR’S CUT 

Directed by Frank Oz with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by LGBTQIA+ legend Howard Ashman from their Off-Broadway smash, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (1986) is a queer cult classic. Our previous Queer Horror Nights screening at The Rio in 2023 sold out incredibly quickly. People said this about it:

"Still scraping myself together after Token Homo’s late-night screening of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, complete with dental drag, freaks on leashes and full-on William Castle-style chicanery. Nobody in London stages shows like this!” and "That was absolutely amazing. I've never had so much fun or felt so at one with an audience. People are singing 'Suddenly Seymour' at bus stops and on the London Overground!”. 

Queer Horror Nights is stupidly proud to revive one of our most-loved shows as part of RIO FOREVER, a celebration of both community and cinema itself. The film about a hapless florist and his flesh-eating plant features an iconic cast, monumental songs, several hardcore kinks, and boundary-pushing special FX. Deemed too transgressive at test screenings, the original finale was dramatically re-shot before its 1986 release to create a ‘happy’ heteronormative ending. If movie monsters are the queer disrupters, then the 2012 Director’s Cut is a radical re-edit where queer monstrosity wins, Audrey is the ultimate ally, and Black trans power is plant-based! 

This will be an anniversary screening unlike any other as we celebrate two outrageous queer icons. 

BRING YOUR FREAK: 

Queer Horror Nights is a ‘costume kink and fetish-friendly’ event that’s strictly for adults 18+ only. Come dressed as your favourite horror character or liberate that underused fetish gear from the back of your wardrobe and rubber-up for the show (just cover your bits so we don’t stain the seats…). Changing areas available from open to close. Of course, regular clothes are fine too! 

PRE-DRINKS: 

Join us in The Rio bar from 22:30+ for pre-drinks and a free souvenir photo. 

SHOW TIMES: 

23.30 – Costume Competition & Pre-Show 

00:00 – LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS: THE DIRECTOR’S CUT 

01:45 – Finale + Survivors’ Photo 

02:00 – Event Close 

// Follow @tokenhomo on IG or visit tokenhomo.com for more #QueerHorrorNights // RIO FOREVER At The Rio, we’re proud to be the UK’s longest-running cinema - a place where films have been screened, shared and loved since 1909. In 2026, we mark 50 years of being run by and for our community, and we’re celebrating with a 6 month-long programme we’re calling RIO FOREVER. Launching in April 2026, RIO FOREVER honours the Rio as a living part of Hackney’s cultural and social history. We’ll be showcasing what the Rio does best: bold, eclectic programming; archival gems; and gatherings that bring people together. Throughout the year, we’re inviting filmmakers, artists and cultural agitators to dive into our archive of 50 years of cinema programming and choose a title to reintroduce to the public. Each headline screening will act as a fundraiser to help maintain our beautiful, historic building and ensure the Rio remains an inclusive, vibrant, community-run space for generations to come. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BUILDHOLLYWOOD