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…
The onset of Spring always makes my heart sing, especially when there’s an abundance of multifarious LGBTQ+ cabaret events happening across the capital. Time to propel those chunky knits to the back of the closet and dig out the floral prints! Now, without further ado, let’s dive right into this month’s cream of the cabaret crop this..
High On Heels at Freedom Soho
Every Wednesday, from 10pm
A midweek cabaret night that celebrates drag and divas. You can expect fabulous performances, sumptuous cocktails, and a beautiful and eclectic mix of humans at this sprawling Soho hangout. Open till 3am! Late-night public transport nearby.
Tube: Piccadilly Circus
Vicki VivaciousCocktails and Cabaret at Ku Lounge
Every Thursday, from 7pm
Stellar cabaret shows from acclaimed artists like Chanel N°5, Vanity Von Glow, Vicki Vivacious, Luna Cortez, Saffron Slayer, and more. Ku is widely known for its dedication to the LGBTQ+ community and those cocktails are some of the best in the West End. Whether you’re flying solo or with a group of friends, Ku is a great place to spend an evening.
30 Lisle St, WC2H 7BA
Tube: Leicester Square
Sasha Velour ‘The Big Reveal Live Showq’ Official Afterparty at Zodiac Bar
Friday 8th, from 10pm
Central London LGBTQ+ venue Zodiac Bar hosts the official afterparty of RuPaul’s Drag Race icon Sasha Velour’s London Palladium show. The glorious team at Zodiac know how to throw a party so rest assured this will be a fantastic night filled with stunning drag, pop favourites and disco classics from shining performers and DJs. Open till 2am.
Tube: Euston/Warren Street
Friday Night Cabaret at Halfway to Heaven
Friday 15th, from 8.30pm
There’s always great cabaret entertainment at this jewel of a venue which is situated just a short stroll from Charing Cross station. Tonight there’s full shows from Drag Race UK star Pixie Polite, KY Kelly who’s currently in the West End production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, AND antipodean showgirl and Drag Idol winner Karla Bear. Entry is free all night.
Tube: Charing Cross
Deeva D Presents – Happy Holi-Day at The Divine
Tuesday 26th, from 7.30pm
A stunning line-up of resplendent and talented artists celebrate Holi, the festival of colour at London newest cabaret den, The Divine. Hosted by bearlesque babe Deeva Dee, with bollywood dancing, drag, burlesque and more courtesy of Pat Elle, Bolly Queer, Chai La-They and Sarjana.
33 Stoke Newington Road, N16 8BJ
Overground: Dalston Kingland
Lèse Majesté XXI at Rich Mix
Friday 29th, from 7.30pm
Hosted by spunky priest Prinx Silver, with performances from CYRO, Richard Energy, Hardeep Singh, Himish MacBeth, and Daddy Maki. This event promises to turn Good Friday into… a very Good Friday (wink wink). Showtime is at 8.30pm. Afterparty goes from 10.30pm till 1am. Be rude not to just make a night of it!
35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA
Tube: Bethnal Green
The LipSinkers at Eagle London
Friday 29th, from 10pm
Ingenious routines from one of the best drag troupes around. There’s something for everyone in a LipSinkers show — music, lip-syncing, props galore, dance, avant-garde art, social commentary — and you’ll come away feeling thoroughly entertained, energised and ready to take on the night. What’s not to love!
Tube: Vauxhall
Easter Sunday Power Of Five at Two Brewers
Sunday 31st, from 4pm
After you’ve demolished the bumper bag of mini eggs, head down to Clapham for a a very special Power Of Five Easter dragathon. There will be high-spirited shows full of songs and laughter from Mary Mac, Miss Jason, Billie Gold, Baga Chipz and Sandra, plus DJs Demon Moto Blanco playing till 4am! Free entry before 6pm, £8 till 9pm, £10 after.
114 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UJ
Tube: Clapham North
Miles Elliot at The Old Ship
Sunday 31st, from 9.30pm
The soul daddy of the scene takes to the stage of this popular east end venue for a Sunday shindig which will set you up nicely for that dreaded working week ahead. Miles’ repertoire extends well beyond soul, too, so you scan expect a generous smattering of disco, R&B, house, and jazz. Be sure to check out my interview with Miles in this month’s print edition of Gay London Life.
DLR: Limehouse
Channel No.5Sunday Show at City Of Quebec
Sunday 31st, from 10pm
Cabaret chanteuse and all-round glamour-puss Chanel N°5 serves up stunning renditions of classic and pop numbers, as well as jocular repartee at one of the oldest LGBTQ+ venues in the UK. A gorgeous venue coupled with a scintillating artist will surely make for a magnificent night.
Tube: Marble Arch
You can catch Jason, same time next month. OR give him a follow on Insta @jasonreiduk
