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.
To say there’s a lot on this month would be the understatement of the year. So there’s really no excuse to stay in. Merry Christmas, you lot, let’s check out this month’s pick of the cabaret crop…
Violetta J’AdoreCabaret Open Mic at City of Quebec
Every Sunday, from 8pm
A brilliant open mic night hosted by the perpetually divine Violetta J’Adore which welcomes all styles of performance. This is a great opportunity for novice artists to try out their act, or even established artists to gauge reaction to new material in front of a live audience. Free entry all night.
12 Old Quebec Street, W1H 7AF
Tube: Marble Arch
Kinky Kabaret at Freedom Soho
Every Monday, from 10pm
The great and the good of London’s West End converge on Freedom every Monday for what is now a very well known and highly regarded night where you can bear witness to incredible vocalists and cabaret artists. Hosted by Carl Mulllaney. Open till 3am.
66 Wardour Street, W1F 0TA
Tube: Piccadilly Circus
Luna CortezCocktails and Cabaret at Ku Bar
Every Tuesday, from 7pm
Fabulous live drag cabaret courtesy of some of the capital’s top LGBTQ+ entertainers in a plush setting that will warm your cockles. Come for the sensational shows, stay for the divine cocktails!
30 Lisle St, WC2H 7BA
Tube: Leicester Square
Sandra at The Old Ship
Saturday 16th, 9.30pm
A bona fide drag legend takes to the Ships’ stage to sprinkle the festive season with her distinctive brand of drag cabaret. Expect good-natured bawdy banter, feel-good music, and most of all, a damn good time because Sandra ALWAYS puts on a top-notch show.
17 Barnes Street, E14 7NW
DLR: Limehouse
Black & White Ball at Two Brewers
Sunday 31st, from 6pm
Clapham’s acclaimed cabaret emporium say’s see ya, babe to 2023 and hello, dear to 2024 in the very capable and beautifully accessorised hands of drag stars Mary Mac, Sandra, Son Of a Tutu, Miss Jason, and Amy LaQueefa – with all the gals back onstage at midnight for the bells.
114 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UJ
Tube: Clapham North
New Year’s Eve Party at Zodiac Bar
Sunday 31st, from 7pm
They really know how to throw a party at Zodiac, which is a very short mince from Warren Street tube – practically central! The fizz will be flowing till the small hours and cabaret comes courtesy of Eileen Eiffel and Solero Summers. A fab way to see in 2024.
119 Hampstead Road, NW1 3EE
Tube: Euston/Warren Street
The LipSinkers at The Eagle
Thursday 7th, from 8pm
Brilliantly bonkers, exuberant and distinctive is how I’d sum up a LipSinkers show. One of the absolute best and longest-running drag troupe’s on the cabaret scene. I particularly adore their Jacky number. But, there’s so many great routines to chose from.
349 Kennington Lane, SE11 5QY
Tube: Vauxhall
Lèse Majesté XX at Rich Mix
Friday 8th, from 7.30pm
Hosted by the super sultry Prinx Silver, with performances from Beau Jangles, Valentín, Valkyrie Cain, and Macho Mei. This is a brilliant drag king and thing night at a spacious wheelchair-accessible venue which is slap bang in the heart of the east end!
35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA
Tube: Bethnal Green
Ginger Johnson: Ginger All the Way! at Soho Theatre
From Tues 12th, 10pm
Fresh from an absolutely blinding run on Drag Race UK season 5, self-described silly sausage Ginger Johnson settles in for a seasonal run at the Soho Theatre which promises to be brimming over with live versions of Christmas classics and a right camp old laugh! Ginger is good craic so this should be a fun night out.
21 Dean Street, W1D 3NE
Tube: Tottenham Court Road
Myra DuBois: We Wish You A Myra Christmas at The Clapham Grand
Monday 18th, from 6.30pm
The zenith of cabaret comedy, that’s Myra DuBois. No exaggeration. If you’ve never seen her perform, you really must! Then you’ll understand my glowing praise. And what better time to see this international icon than at Christmas when she’ll be at her most jovial… peppered with some seasonal scorn, of course. Expect consummately crafted and executed comedy and big musical numbers at this beautiful entertainment venue
114 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UJ
Tube: Clapham North
Catch Jason, this time next month for his pick for the start of 2024!! or give him a follow
@jasonreiduk
