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.
November evenings may be cold and dark but the cabaret scene remains scorching hot and dazzling, with everything from late-night drag karaoke to messy avant-garde art taking place in the capital this month. Let’s take a look…
Miss Aisles Bingo at Ye Olde Rose & Crown
Every Tuesday, from 7pm
There’s nothing quite like a good game of bingo every now and then. And it’s even better when hosted by a fabulous drag queen who adds lashings of cheeky raillery, games and sing-alongs as is the case here. Get ye to Greenwich. Free entry all night!
1 Crooms Hill, Greenwich, SE10 8ER
DLR: Cutty Sark
Dragaoke at Phoenix Arts Club
Every Tuesday, from 10pm
This venue is by far one of the best in the West End when it comes to live cabaret and exceptional hospitality. Drag power-couple Adam and Apple are a joy to watch in their irredentist drag with natural chemistry that simply cannot be taught. Everyone is invited to take to the stage and sing their favourite musical theatre/pop number – or you can just kick back and be a voyeur like me!
1 Phoenix St, WC2H 8BU
Tube: Leicester Square
High On Heels at Freedom Soho
Every Wednesday, from 10pm
West End’s drag performers come together for a night of high-kicking, death-dropping, live vocals, lip-syncs, games and mayhem at this midweek dragstravaganza. Freedom is a plush venue which is situated in the heart of Soho with some of the best cocktails around.
Tube: Piccadilly Circus
Cocktails and Cabaret at Ku BarÂ
Every Thursday, from 7pm
An absolutely gorgeous way to spend a Thursday evening which everyone knows is the window to the weekend so no need to feel any guilt about staying out late. Enjoy cabaret from some of the capitals leading lights like Vicki Vivacious, Chanel N°5, Luna Cortez and more, plus cocktails to suit all tastes in a warm and welcoming setting in the heart of London’s world-famous Chinatown.
30 Lisle St, WC2H 7BA
Tube: Leicester Square
2nd Year Anniversary with Scarlett Harlett at Zodiac Bar
Saturday 4th, from 5pm
Time really does fly when you’re having fun. North London’s finest; Zodiac turns two! To mark this auspicious occasion and to show their appreciation to the LGBTQ+ community; Jade, David, Dee and the Z team are throwing a huge party with… *wait for it* A FREE BAR! And if that wasn’t good enough, Drag Race UK alumni Scarlett Harlett will also be performing, plus there’ll be a DJ set from Van Hoskins. This will definitely be a night to remember! Happy anniversary Zodiac, you beauties.
119 Hampstead Road, NW1 3EE
Tube: Euston/Warren St
Sissy Lea at The Old Ship
Saturday 4th, 9.30pm
Star of Drag Race Italia, Sissy Lea serves up the big songs and uproarious comedy at this quintessential east end boozer which always aims to provide a wonderful no-nonsense night out. What’s more, entry is free all night – every saving make a difference during the cossie livs, loves!
17 Barnes Street, E14 7NW
DLR: Limehouse
Greek Night Vol. 3 at City Of Quebec
Friday 10th, from 8pm
Billed as the biggest Greek party London has ever seen (which is quite the claim), this is the last event of its kind of 2023 at the Quebec. Starring Greek drag goddess Violeta J’Adore, Tammy, Maskes Dance Crew, and Mx Fasionista.
12 Old Quebec Street, W1H 7AF
Tube: Marble Arch
FOC IT UP! at Soho TheatreÂ
Monday 20th, 9.15pm
Hosted by the absolutely hilarious Kemah Bob, this one-night-only edition of FOC IT UP! (The Femmes Of Colo(u)r Comedy Club) will feature stand-up sets from Athena Kugblenu, Kate Cheka, Miss Mo’Real and Sharifa Butterfly. Get your week off to a joyful start!
21 Dean Street, W1D 3NE
Tube: Tottenham Court Road
Baby Lame’s Shit Show at Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club
Thursday 23rd, 8pm
Drag punk superstar Baby Lame returns to Bethnal Green with their infamous Shit Show! Backed by an absolutely stellar line-up of guest artists: Mouse, Margo Marshall, Fancy Chance, Lasana Shabazz, Izzy Alright and Moonface. Check out my interview with the person behind Baby Lame in this month’s print edition.
42-46 Pollard Row, E2 6NB
Tube: Bethnal Green
Sunday Funday at Halfway to Heaven
Sunday 26th, from 4pm
While CK are away, Miss Moppe and Sandra will play! You can expect a gloriously high camp show from Miss Moppe full of musical theatre numbers and good cheer, followed by drag legend Sandra bringing up the rear with her trademark ribald humour and crowd-pleasing pop and dance numbers. Free entry all day.
7 Duncannon Street, WC2N 4JF
Tube: Charing Cross
