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.
Happy new year, cabaret lovers! January may be cold and dark but there is a wealth of LGBTQ+ events taking place across our glorious capital to keep you feeling warm and bright! So, throw off your duvet and get out there! You’ll be glad you did. Without further ado, let’s see what’s on my cabaret radar this month…
Power Of Four at Two Brewers
Every Sunday, from 4pm
Sundays are always the biggest day of the week at this prominent south London LGBTQ+ entertainment venue. Expect barnstorming shows full of glorious music and ribald banter from drag stars Mary Mac (5.30pm), Miss Jason. (7.30pm), Sandra (9pm) & Marsha Mallow (11pm). DJ Demon plays bangers til 2am. Entry is free before 6pm, £7 after.
114 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UJ
Tube: Clapham North
Cocktails and Cabaret at Ku Lounge
Every Monday, from 7pm
A night that does exactly what it says in the title. Top-rate cabaret from the likes of Luna Cortez, Chanel N°5, Saffron Slayer and Vanity Von Glow coupled with sumptuous cocktails right in the heart of the west end. A winning cabaret combo!
30 Lisle St, WC2H 7BA
Tube: Leicester Square
Kinky Kabaret at Freedom Soho
Every Monday, from 10pm
Hosted by west end star Carl Mullaney, with a plethora of performances from artists who perform in the west end and beyond. Gorgeous atmosphere, and always a really fun night out.
66 Wardour Street, W1F 0TA
Tube: Piccadilly Circus
Sheila Simmond’s Busy Lady Bingo at Duke Of Wellington
Every Tuesday, from 8pm
This night is an absolute scream and unlike any other bingo night around – in a very good way. Every second of Busy Lady Bingo is completely bonkers, brilliant and joyous. If you have the early-week blues I can assure you that Sheila will lift you from your lull. The pinnacle of drag bingo currently in the capital! Free entry all night.
77 Wardour St, London W1D 6QB
Tube: Piccadilly Circus
Miss Aisles Bingo at Ye Olde Rose & Crown
Every Wednesday, from 7pm
Fun and frolics down Greenwich way with Ye Olde Rose and Crown’s very own Miss Aisles. Lush prizes to be won and a warm welcome awaits. Free entry all night.
1 Crooms Hill, Greenwich, SE10 8ER
DLR: Cutty Sark
Maxy Black’s New Years Insurrection at The Glory
Saturday 6th, from 7pm
Similar to the events at the United States Capitol on Jan 6th 2021, apart from being well organised and a LOT more fun! Headed by cabaret sensation Maxy Black with performances from Landfill, Lugwanda Grandez, Shitonya Dreams and Laz Lightning. Staging this event on this date is the attention to detail that makes cabaret great (again). Pure high camp!
281 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8AS
Overground: Haggerston
Lady Imelda at The Old Ship
Sunday 14th, 9.30pm
Oozing with star quality, Lady Imelda is a West End performer turned cabaret star who is as good now as the first time I saw her almost 20 years ago. Breathtaking musical theatre numbers, stunning ostentatious gowns, and dry wit makes for the most magnificent show. Each time I’ve seen Lady Imelda perform I’ve been enthralled, which is high praise given how much cabaret I’ve seen over the years. The Old Ship is a homely east end boozer with a mixed clientele of LGBTQ+ people and allies.
17 Barnes Street, E14 7NW
DLR: Limehouse
Queerovision: Series 3, Episode 1 at The Glory
Monday 15th, from 8pm
A comedy night that is based around Eurovision. Honestly, what’s not to love? Acts perform a 5 minute set and are then judged by the acts’ jury members, assembled audience, and the night’s guest performer which this time round is, Venezuelan/American drag artist Dramala Tina. The results are revealed in typical Eurovision style and the act who receives the most points is crowned the winner. Hosted by Kettering girl Deena in the basement of The Glory!
281 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8AS
Overground: Haggerston
Martha D’Arthur Spills The Tea at Halfway to Heaven
Thursday 18th, from 8.30pm
A laid-back night of singalongs and chewing the fat with the always divine and delightful Martha D’Arthur at one of London’s top cabaret venues. Even if you’re flying solo, you’re sure to get chatting to people. Martha is great at bringing folk together and creating a relaxing atmosphere. Free entry all night.
7 Duncannon Street, WC2N 4JF
Tube: Charing Cross
The Enby Show: New Year Social at The Glitch, Waterloo
Saturday 20th, from 7.30pm
Non-binary cabaret trendsetters Carrot, Flick and Cyro come together for a social/show in order to raise funds for Barb The Beholder’s top surgery. Barb — who is an enby-in-residence — will also be doing a turn. Plus, there will be some special guests, a raffle, and an open mic sesh. These shows are always full of heart and creativity!
134 Lower Marsh, SE1 7AE
Tube: Waterloo
You can catch Jason here next month for a special Valentine’s Top Ten! Give him a follow @jasonreiduk
