Crowds of protesters gathered outside Richmond Theatre today (19 December) during a drag show, which saw multiple Met Police vans called to the area.

From around 8.30am, scores of masked protesters stood outside Richmond Theatre holding a large 'London is anti-fascist' banner in support of the theatre's 10am showing of Drag Tales Storytime - Christmas Special.

Anti-facist protestors and Met Police officers standing outside Richmond Theatre (credit: Nub News).

In response, protesters from Turning Point UK — a right-wing activist group — arrived at the theatre. They opposed the drag show on the basis that it was aimed at families, including children.

"We just object to the show," said one Turning Point UK protester.

Turning Point UK arrived at Richmond Theatre to counter-protest (credit: Nub News).

According to the Richmond Theatre website, Drag Tales is described as "a magical Christmas storytime that brings festive tales to life with captivating storytelling, joyful carols, high-energy dancing and puppetry" and is "perfect for little theatre-goers and their grown-ups".

One local resident who was against the show, Mel, commented: "It's not a pantomime. It's just drag queen tales for children under the age of five.

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"We have nothing against drag if you do it for [audiences] over 18."

Concerned residents holding up images of drag queen performer Tania LeCoq, who was starring in Drag Tales at Richmond Theatre (credit: Nub News).

Meanwhile, one of the anti-fascist protesters, who did not give their name, told Nub News: "We are here today because there is a drag-themed storytime happening at Richmond Theatre, and we thought Turning Point UK, who are an alt-right fascist group, would try to protest and intimidate the people going to the storytime.

"We want to make it really clear that they're not welcome here."

As Met Police officers stood around the theatre and between the two protest groups, anti-fascist protesters danced and sang along to music by artists including the Village People, Chappell Roan and Lady Gaga.

When asked what message they were sending to the community, the protester added: "That London is anti-fascist, that we stand with drag queens, we stand with queer people, and we will not let fascists hijack the narrative around us."

Six police vans could be seen parked alongside the green during protests (credit: Nub News).

At around 11.10am, protesters from Turning Point UK began leaving the area, followed by the anti-fascist group at around 11.20am.

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Richmond Theatre have been approached for comment. The Met Police said no arrests were made.

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