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 time of the year that’s all about bumps in the night has arrived, and whether you love or loathe Halloween, I guarantee there are cabaret events for you to take pleasure in this October! Here’s my pick of the crop…
Power of Four at Two Brewers
Every Sunday, from 4pm
The flagship weekly cabaret event at this much-loved entertainment venue in south London features drag shows from the likes of Sandra, Miss Penny, Trevor Ashley, Lady Imelda, Marsha Mallow, Karla Bear and more. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense LGBTQ+ all-dayer then Power of Four is one of the best in the land. The first act takes to the stage at around 5.30pm, and entry is free before 6pm (£7 after). Cabaret is coupled with great pop and dance tunes from DJ Demon who is a long-standing and top DJ at the Brewers. Open till 2am!
114 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UJ
Tube: Clapham North
Sunday Tonic at Rupert Street Soho
Every Sunday, from 6.30pm
Live music and camp carnage in the heart of Soho courtesy of drag pals Ember and Amaya Napa. Expect a smorgasbord of solo numbers and duets. All cocktails are 50% off till 8pm! Free entry all evening.
Tube: Piccadilly Circus
Cocktails and Cabaret at Ku Lounge
Every Thursday, from 7.30pm
Autumn nights in the west end are incredibly charming, and Cocktails and Cabaret are a good way to wind down after a day of shopping, or to start a night out with a group of friends. Ku Lounge is located above the multi-award-winning Ku Bar. Live music, comedy, good cheer and moreish cocktails awaits.
Tube: Leicester Square
Double Drag Thursday with Luna and Sandra at The Admiral Duncan
Every Thursday, from 8pm
Live music and banter from the ebullient Luna Cortez and legendary Sandra at this Soho cabaret institution. Luna is on at 8.30pm, then Sandra at 9.30pm. Free entry all night.
54 Old Compton Street, W1D 4UB
Tube: Piccadilly Circus
Friday Night Live at Halfway to Heaven
Every Friday, from 8pm
Halfway to Heaven has the cabaret bar formula down to a tee, from a punters perspective. On Friday nights you can savour shows from a stunning selection of first-rate acts including Marsha Mallow, Ember, Miles Elliott, Mary Golds and more. Good fun and a friendly vibe. Free entry at all times.
Tube: Charing Cross
Son Of a Tutu at The Old Ship
Saturday 5th, 9.30pm
Son Of a Tutu is a cabaret artist who brings a unique brand of joie de vivre to each and every stage they step foot on. This will be a show brimming over with personality, comedy, familiar musical numbers, and collective joy! On top of all that, entry is free! The Old Ship really does spoil us. Be sure to support guv’nor John and his team whenever you can.
DLR: Limehouse
Devianza! Cabaret – The Italian Cinema Edition at The Divine
Sunday 13th, from 7pm
A night dedicated to Italian filmmaking; starring queen of gore Elena Black, Italian kings Manique Episode and Marco Mozzarelli, John Waters-esque stripteaser Luna Lussaria, glam sapphic showgirl La Contessa Casanova, and the delightfully fierce Miss Terri Boxx. Each act will pay tribute to the films and actors that have defined Italian cinema over the years. A night that is sure to be molto bene.
33 Stoke Newington Road, N16 8BJ
Overground: Haggerston
Los Reyes del Barrio Present Drag Kingo Addams Family Edition: A Drag King Bingo and Cabaret at The Glitch
Friday 18th, from 8pm
The UK’s first Latine drag king collective, serves up an Addams Family Halloween night headed by drag kings and things. Cohosted by Carlos Al Dick as Gomez Addams and Valentín as Morticia Addams. The night includes two hours of bingo, plus performances, and tomfoolery with a twist. Tickets from £7.50 via OutSavvy.
Tube: Warerlooo
Zpooky Halloween Special at Zodiac Bar
Saturday 26th, from 5pm
Zodiac Bar is doing Halloween in STYLE this year with a bountiful lineup of vampish vocalists which make up the House of Z Collective. Jade Phoenix, Luna Cortez, Eileen, Eiffell, Solero Summers, Alotta Kümm, Aeliana Cortez, Eva Iva, Brambley Apple, Farrah Mills, Tiffany Low and Dee Chanelle will ensure that you have boo-tiful time partying the night away! Open till 4am. Free tickets available via OutSavvy.
Tube: Euston/Warren Street
Tickle or Tinkle at City Of Quebec
Thursday 31st, from 7pm
Compèred by drag sensation Tania Le Coq who performs as a live vocalist and stand-up comedian, this Halloween themed stand-up show features sets from four comedians. There’s also a £30 bar tab up for grabs for the best Halloween dressed. City of Quebec is one of the UK’s oldest LGBTQ venues and is located just around the corner from Marble Arch station. Tickets £5 from OutSavvy.
Tube: Marble Arch
Check back in next month when Jason will be back with another top ten.
Go give him a follow @jasonreiduk
