Our very own cabaret aficionado Jason Reid peruses the upcoming cabaret events every month so you don’t have to, and picks his cream of the crop for Gay London Life. Autumn is upon us dear queers, and the nights are drawing in, but fear not because London’s LGBTQ+ cabaret scene never sleeps. There’s something for everyone in my pick of the September crop…
Rose Garden at Halfway to Heaven
Every Saturday, from 4pm
This is how daytime drag should be done. Rose Garden is a doyenne of drag who is widely respected and loved, and she always brings the party. You’ll probably end up staggering home like a drunk sailor, but you’ll have A LOT of fun. Expect singalongs, comedy, audience participation, special guests and lashings of good-natured craic.
7 Duncannon Street, WC2N 4JF
Tube: Charing Cross
Sandra at Admiral Duncan
Every Thursday, from 9.30pm
Another icon of the cabaret world, Sandra serves up a sensational show full of bangers and gentle joshing every Thursday at this popular LGBTQ+ venue which is smack-bang in the middle of Soho. Sandra has a beautiful warmth about her that makes you feel welcome instantly. Raucous and glorious, and highly recommended!
54 Old Compton Street, W1D 4UB
Tube: Piccadilly Circus
Reuben Kaye: The Butch is Back at Soho Theatre
Friday 2nd – Sat 10th, 9.30pm
An Australian national treasure takes up residence at the Soho Theatre for a week, backed by a full live band, and you don’t want to miss it. The voice, the repartee, the charm that oozes from every pore — Rueben was born to perform, and because he loves doing it, you’ll love watching it. A rare chance to see a cabaret superstar!
21 Dean Street, W1D 3NE
Tube: Tottenham Court Road
Pingpong LGBTQ Comedy #PussyKatbangkok at Village Soho
Wednesday 7th, from 6.45pm
A new comedy night with a twist, produced and hosted by actress and big brother star, Pussy Kat Bangkok. The twist? Time slots are precise and comedians are ping-ponged if they go over. With Kat at the helm this is bound to be a joyous night.
81 Wardour Street
Tube: Piccadilly Circus
Lèse Majesté XII at Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club
Thursday 8th, from 7pm
The latest edition of this brilliant cabaret which is devoted to drag kings and things. Hosted by king extraordinaire Prinx Silver, with show-stopping performances from Shardeazy Afrodesiak, Wet Mess, Sonny Delight and T33n Angst. Strictly no dress code — rock up in what you’re feeling on the night. This show is extra special because they’ll be celebrating reaching their gofundme target to open the country’s first community-run, accessible queer venue. Amazing work!
42-46 Pollard Row, E2 6NB
Tube: Bethnal Green
The Queens Quiz at West Five Bar
Every Thursday from 15th, 8pm
Get the gals together and pit your wits against the great and the good of west london. There’s a £30 bar tab up for grabs! Hosted by three fabulous queens who revel in the double-entendre and love nothing more than gulping down a stiff one: Carmen, Nikki and Barbra. And if that wasn’t enough, selected cocktails are only five quid all night long!
Popes Lane, London, W5 4NT
Tube: South Ealing
Queenz – The Show with Balls
Friday 16th, from 7pm
Aa seen on ITV’s Walk the Line, this dazzling drag troupe puts on one hell of a show. Expect stunning live vocals and sequins aplenty. Plus special guest, X Factor and Union J pop sensation, Jaymi Hensley.
21-25 St. John’s Hill, SW11 1TT
Overground: Clapham Junction
Tutu’s Soul Search 2022 at Royal Vauxhall Tavern
Monday 19th, from 7pm
A selection of LGBTQ+ artists bring their best soul game in order to impress a panel of esteemed industry judges. The winner gets their own full show at The RVT, with bespoke mentoring and marketing, plus a package of prizes. Last year’s inaugural edition was a spectacular soulful affair, so grab your tickets early. Hosted by drag superstar Son Of a Tutu.
372 Kennington Lane, SE11 5HY
Tube: Vauxhall
The Khandi Shop at Royal Vauxhall Tavern
Friday 23rd, from 6pm
A gorgeous assortment of cabaret delights await at The Khandi Shop, and this is their first outing at The RVT — so it’s an extra special show. Hosted by star of stage and screen and sugar crashing day dreams, Mahatma Khandi, with performances from cabaret sensations Lori Mae, Kiki Snatch, Sophie Brain and Kaajel Patel.
372 Kennington Lane, SE11 5HY
Tube: Vauxhall
The Art Of Fitting Out by CJ Hopkins at Two Brewers
Friday 30th, 7.45pm
I saw this recently and absolutely loved it. Not for the prudish, The Art Of Fitting Out is an extremely frank and brilliantly written and executed comedy show which centres around gay sex parties, mental health and drugs. You’ll laugh and wince in equal measure.
114 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UJ
Tube: Clapham North
Make sure you come back again next month, for Jason’s Ten of the best! Follow Jason on Instagram @jasonreiduk
