About this experience

Friend of Dorothy presents: An Evening with Matt Cain MBE

Celebrating The Castle of Stories in association with Not A Phase

📍 The Ministry, Borough

📅 3rd September 2026

Author. Broadcaster. Former Editor-in-Chief of Attitude. MBE for services to LGBTQ+ culture. And the man who crowdfunded The Madonna of Bolton in seven days after publishers turned it down for being too gay.

Matt joins us for a night of stories, starting with his brand new novel The Castle of Stories, the first title from Pansy, the queer indie publisher he founded with his husband. We’ll be going right back through the catalogue too, from Albert Entwistle to Becoming Ted to One Love.

The brilliant James Wallace hosts the Q&A, followed by a book signing and a proper social. There’ll be a pop-up bookshop on site, so you can walk away with a signed copy on the night.
As with all our major Friend of Dorothy events, you’ll get a complimentary welcome drink on arrival and one of our exclusive gift bags to take home.

And a first for us: every penny of ticket revenue goes to Not A Phase, the charity working for trans and gender diverse adults across the UK. Come for the books, stay for the room, and know your ticket is doing something.

Your ticket includes:

🥂 A complimentary welcome drink
🎁 A Friend of Dorothy gift bag worth £50+
📚 An audience Q&A and book signing with Matt Cain MBE
🌈 A post-event social to meet Matt and connect with other guests
💛 The opportunity to support Not A Phase through your ticket purchase

As a special gift to the Friend of Dorothy community, Matt has kindly given guests exclusive access to the first three chapters of The Castle of Stories completely free, so you can dive into the book before the event. Scan QR code or follow the link. 

https://pansybooks.co.uk/FODexclusive/

This event is hosted in association with Not A Phase, with ticket sales helping to raise funds for the charity's vital work supporting the trans+ community.

Doors open: 7:00pm

Event starts: 7:30pm

Drinks, social & book signing afterwards

WHO IS IT FOR?

Anyone who loves queer stories, meaningful conversations and meeting new people.

Whether you've read every one of Matt's novels, you're discovering his work for the first time, or you're simply looking for a welcoming LGBTQ+ space to spend an evening, you'll be right at home.