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.
Ding dong merrily on high, and all that jazz! December brings an absolute wealth of LGBTQ+ cabaret events to choose from. Spoilt for choice so you are. Here’s just a few that piqued my interest. Merry Christmas, dears!
Cocktails and Cabaret at Ku Lounge
Every Thursday, from 8pm
Ku Lounge is a gorgeous bijou space where you can escape the frenziedness of the west end, particularly during the festive period which can be taxing to say the least. Divine cocktails and fabulous drag shows await – and just a 30 second stagger away from the tube!
30 Lisle St, WC2H 7BA
Tube: Leicester Square
Friday Night Cabaret with Karla Bear at Admiral Duncan
Every Friday, from 8pm
A lively night of music and comedy from antipodean drag superstar Karla Bear. Followed by rotated acts at 9pm, 10pm & 11pm (check Admiral Duncan’s socials for details). Located in the heart of Soho; this famous venue can get very busy indeed. Free entry all night!
54 Old Compton Street, W1D 4UD
Tube: Leicester Square
BALL I Want For Christmas at Two Brewers
Sunday 8th, from 4pm
A Christmas cabaret extravaganza hosted by and in aid of London Titans FC. With shows from Lady Imelda, Karla Bear, Delicious Lee Extra, Son Of a Tutu, with drag legend Sarah closing out the night’s entertainment. There will be a prize raffle, auction, goody bags and festive fun galore. DJ Demon provides the tunes till close at 2am. Free entry before 6pm.
114 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UJ
Tube: Clapham North
Kinky Kabaret Christmas Specials at Freedom Soho
Monday 9th & 16th from 10pm
If you’re not yet in the Christmas spirit, this is bound to get you shaking your baubles and knocking back the mulled wine. Hosted by musical theatre sensation Carl Mullaney, with a whole host of fabulous guest artists from the West End and beyond. Open till 3am. All rules go out the window at Christmas, so even Monday nights are for partying!
66 Wardour Street, W1F 0TA
Tube: Piccadilly Circus
The Christmas Charity Ball at The Divine
Wednesday 11th, from 7.30pm
Strap yourself in for a huge cabaret extravaganza from Suprema Productions at east London’s foremost queer cabaret venue. This night of drag and festive fun is in aid of AKT (a charity that offers support to young LGBTQ+ people who at risk of, or experiencing homelessness or a hostile living environment). Starring Scardey Kat, Llinix, Duniya Dhoom, Daisy Delight, and loads more!
33 Stoke Newington Road, N16 8BJ
Overground: Haggerston Park
Drag Royale Starring Shar Cooterie at Zodiac Bar
Friday 13th, from 5pm
Winner of Drag Idol 2024, Shar Cooterie takes to the Zodiac stage for a night of stunning powerhouse vocals and witty repartee. Get there before 9pm for free entry and to secure a seat for the show. DJ plays pop and dance music post-show till close at 2am. Great vibe and hospitality!
119 Hampstead Road, NW1 3EE
Tube: Euston/Warren Street
Dringo Kingo: Queer Xmas Special at Peckham Levels
Thursday 19th, from 7pm
Hosted by Melanin King, this special seasonal editon of Dringo Kingo (dance hall and reggae bingo and trivia), offers partygoers the chance to win some jaw-dropping prizes. Plus, DJ Chlxxe will be spinning the best dancehall and reggae tracks.
95a Rye Lane, SE15 4ST
Overground: Peckham Rye
Mrs Moore at The Old Ship
Friday 20th, 9.30pm
Sharp comedy, musical treats and glorious chaos from a queen who never fails to raise a smile. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it till my last breath; Mrs Moore is one of the absolute best in the biz. This will be a Sunday night treat that’s worth leaving the house for. Free entry all night.
17 Barnes Street, E14 7NW
DLR: Limehouse
Friday Night Live at Halfway to Heaven
Friday 27th, from 8pm
Friday night fun with the triple threat of hree fantastic acts: Marsha Mallow, Ember, Miles Elliot. All three are adept live vocalists with magnificent stage presence. This is a great way to get be the working week. A whole night of uplifting cabaret, and entry to Halfway is free all night. Get yourself down there!
7 Duncannon Street, WC2N 4JF
Tube: Charing Cross
New Year’s Eve Party till 6am at Zodiac
Tuesday 31st, from 7pm
Bring in 2025 with the beautiful people at Zodiac Bar and the party to end all parties which goes till New Year’s Day morning. This year’s theme is The Great Gatsby, so plan your outfit if fancy dress is your thing; otherwise just rock up as you are! There will be shows from The Haus of Z, DJs all night long, plus surprise guests! Buses run from outside Zodiac and the west end is just a short walk away. £10 tickets available via OutSavvy.
119 Hampstead Road, NW1 3EE
Tube: Euston/Warren Street
You can catch Jason back here next time for his first Top Ten of 2025!!
Drop him a follow @jasonreiduk
