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.
June is all about unfettered QUEER JOY! Firstly it’s my birthday, so obviously that’s cause for celebration, but I guess more pertinently it’s Pride Month and there’s a plethora of LGBTQ+ cabaret events happening across the capital…
Saturday All Day Cabaret at Halfway to Heaven
Every Saturday, from 4pm
Imagine never experiencing an all day and night of drag cabaret at the glorious Halfway! It doesn’t bear thinking about. Look, If you’re one of those who haven’t, pop it on the bucket list NOW! You can expect rousing shows from drag royalty such as Mrs Moore, Martha D’Arthur, Sandra, Rose Garden, Son Of a Tutu, to name just a few! Guv’nor Heather and her wonderful team makes sure that everyone feels welcome!
7 Duncannon Street, WC2N 4JF
Tube: Charing Cross
Like A Sturgeon: Indy Baby One More Time at Royal Vauxhall Tavern
Friday 2nd, from 6.30pm
As political satire goes, Like A Sturgeon is up there with the best of them. I can guarantee that even if you don’t follow politics you’ll love this show. Part homage to Britney, part quest for Scottish independence, part SNP drama. Calum Ross who is the creator of Like A Sturgeon and Ripley always delivers expert parodying and lip-syncing, with meticulously curated multimedia that adds an extra layer of artistry to the overall experience. I’ve never seen a Ripley show that I didn’t like. Pop that on yer poster, hen!
372 Kennington Lane, SE11 5HY
Tube: Vauxhall
Back to the 80s at Ye Olde Rose and Crown
Sunday 4th & 18th, from 6pm
Step back in time with fabulous drag artists and immerse yourself in the music and fun of one of the best decades ever! Great music, top entertainment and a gorgeous ambience awaits at this charming Greenwich gay boozer.
1 Crooms Hill, Greenwich, SE10 8ER
DLR: Cutty Sark
The Don One Show at The Glory
Wednesday 7th, from 7.30pm
Brand new from one of the smoothest kings in the biz. For this inaugural outing, Don One is joined by fellow Brummie drag star Yshee Black and Don’s alter-ego Bad Lay-Dee. There will be a lot of laughs, lashings of camp chaos, singalongs and more!
281 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8AS
Overground: Haggerston
The Cab at Irish Cultural Centre
Friday 9th, from 7pm
Sure this will be grand craic so it will (I can get away with that because I’m Irish). The Cab is a rare evening of wall-to-wall Irish music, drag and comedy — hosted by Derek Murphy with turns from Orla Nothin’, Marty Gleeson, Cormac Todd, Katie Pritchard and more.
5 Black’s Road, Hammersmith, W6 9DT
Tube: Hammersmith
Sunday Cabaret with The D.E Experience and Sooz Kempner at Royal Vauxhall Tavern
Sunday 11th, from 4pm
Two sensational cabaret artists take to the stage of this acclaimed venue for what promises to be a memorable day. Edna has the unique talent of being able to whip any RVT audience into a frenzy with a presence and voice that is unparalleled. While Sooz may be small in stature, her pitch-perfect voice is a joy to behold. Truly a dream double-bill. If you like powerful vocalists, this is definitely the event for you. With the legend that is DJ Simon Le Vans, plus guest DJ till midnight.
372 Kennington Lane, SE11 5HY
Tube: Vauxhall
Snow White Trash at Two Brewers
Wednesday 14th, from 9pm
There’s always time for a midweek sax and sass session from the very talented Snow White Trash. As well as being an accomplished saxophonist, Snow has a great voice and charming persona. Clapham is calling!
114 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UJ
Tube: Clapham North
Marsha Mallow at The Old Ship
Saturday 17th June, 9.30pm
An east end knees-up with the always brilliant Marsha Mallow. This artist fills each stage they perform on with sheer jubilation. As well as excelling at singing and cracking funnies, Marsha routinely serves glamazon realness. Sure ti be a show that leaves you feeling completely uplifted. What’s more, entry is free all night! Get yourself on the DLR to Limehouse and make a night of it.
17 Barnes Street, E14 7NW
DLR: Limehouse
Two Brewers Street Party
Saturday 24th, from noon
The crème de la crème of the UK cabaret scene converge on the Brewers for the venue’s now legendary annual street party which takes place outside (weather permitting). Always a great atmosphere. This time round there’ll be performances from Karla Bear, Mary Mac, Miss Jason, Sandra, Mrs Moore, Lady Imelda, Son Of a Tutu and more. No pre-booking required, just rock up on the day and pay!
114 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UJ
Tube: Clapham North
Hi, Camp! Fun and Gaymes at The Bridge House Theatre
Saturday 24th, 8pm
Drag starlets That Girl, Shar Cooterie and Ula Lah serve up a night of high-camp performances and myriad games for the whole queer family! Be sure to check out my interview with That Girl in this month’s print edition.
2 High Street, Penge, SE20 8RZ
Rail: Penge West
Make sure you catch Jason’s next 10 best picks for July right here next month or give him a follow right now @jasonreiduk.
