White Wall Cinema: But I’m A Cheerleader

The queen of TV comedy directing, Jamie Babbit, has helmed multiple episodes of Gilmore Girls, Malcolm in the Middle, Ugly Betty, The L Word, Gossip Girl, The Middle, Girls, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Russian Doll, and Only Murders in the Building. But it’s her legendary debut feature, But I’m a Cheerleader, a riotous lampoon of the lunacy of conversion therapy, that remains her most beloved work.

The film follows Megan (Lyonne), who, despite seeming like an all-American girl (jock boyfriend, good grades, and yes, a cheerleader) finds her parents staging an intervention, fearful she might be *shock horror* a lesbian. With the help of “ex-gay” Mike (RuPaul), she is carted off to the True Directions conversion therapy camp in the hope she can learn to be straight. But when she meets rebellious, unashamed teen lesbian Graham (Clea DuVall), the camp’s mission quickly begins to unravel.

A high-camp comedy filled with brightly coloured sets and boundless energy, But I’m a Cheerleader is a tongue-firmly-in-cheek dissection of some of society’s less progressive attitudes toward sexuality and gender roles, and one big, glittery kick in the teeth to heteronormativity. Satisfyingly broad in its comedy, this light-hearted satire has a surprisingly heartfelt emotional core, with a charming cast gleefully embracing its low-budget indie spirit. It’s a vibe that has only grown in stature over time, cementing the film as one of the key works that helped redefine lesbian cinema.

• DOORS: 7.30pm*
• START TIME: 8.00pm*
• RUN TIME: 92 mins
• CERT: 15 (Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult).

*Please note – doors open at 7.30pm, Please try to allow extra time to get seated prior to the performance start time of 8.00pm. There will usually be no admittance from 20 minutes after the films stated start time. No hot food or alcohol from outside the premises is allowed. All alcoholic drinks consumed on the premises must be purchased from the bar as per the conditions of the venue’s licence