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The actor playing a transgender character in Rotterdam says the play’s move to the West End is ‘proof that queer arts are mainstream now’.

Rotterdam tells the story of a lesbian couple, Alice and Fiona, who split up when Fiona decides she wishes to live as a man and be called Adrian – just as Alice is about to come out to her parents via email.

The play premiered in south London’s Theatre 503 last year and is now due to make its West End debut on July 26.

Actor Anna Martine plays Fiona, who later becomes Adrian – leaving girlfriend Alice to question if she can still identify as lesbian.

Anna told the Standard: “It has been a long time coming that these queer stories are represented in a way that isn’t cliché. There have been lots of narratives that we, the queer community, can’t really identify with.

“Like, why do lesbians always have to get killed off? That’s why it’s so wonderful that this play is so warm, witty and people can really connect to it beyond labels.

“The fact that we’re in the West End is a really big deal. But it’s also like, queer people are everywhere, we’re in your environment, and I genuinely believe that people want to connect with different experiences.

“Maybe they don’t have those experiences but you want to know who’s in your community and it’s important that those stories and our society are reflected in the arts.

“It’s real proof that society is changing – but we need our allies to support us.

“I hope we’ll have the same response that we did at Theatre 503, which was amazing – people were really moved.”

Rotterdam’s opening scene sees Alice writing her coming out email to her parents – they’re in the Netherlands because she hasn’t yet been able to come out to her family. But before she’s able to send it, Fiona reveals she has always identified as a man.

The play, which Anna describes as a ‘bittersweet comedy about gender and sexuality, and being a long way from home’, has been an unique opportunity chance to explore gender in the body of both a man and a woman.

She said: “I’ve had a blast exploring gender expression and what it’s like to experience the body as a man versus a woman.

“Even though the play is dealing with some complex issues about gender and sexuality and identity, it’s also really funny.

“The fact that Rotterdam is transferring to the West End is just brilliant and proof that LGBTQIA arts are in the mainstream now.

“Don’t get me wrong, I know that we still need to raise the bar in terms of gender equality and the pay gap, and queer visibility, but this is progress and that’s really exciting. We need to celebrate that.

“The queer characters don’t die, turn straight, or end up crazy, and I’d say that’s pretty progressive.”

Rotterdam is on at Trafalgar Studios from July 26 to August 27, 2016.