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.
If you’re looking for fabulous LGBTQ London cabaret events this April, we’ve got you covered with our top 10 picks for dazzling nights out.
April not only brings glorious brighter evenings but a wealth of wonderful cabaret events to suit all tastes, from drag queens belting out big number, to drag kings tearing up stages, and much more. Get the gays and theys together and head to some of these fab events…
Best LGBTQ London Cabaret Events This April
Man Up at The DivineÂ
Every Wednesday, 8pm
Hosted by drag king stars Chiyo and Cyro, Man Up is back with heats taking place every Wednesday in April at London’s newest LGBTQ+ hangout. Entry is free but these nights get very busy so be sure to rock up early if you want a good and comfortable vantage point from which to see the competing kings do their thing.
33 Stoke Newington Road, N16 8BJ
Overground: Dalston Kingland
Anna Toni’s Drag Extravaganza at City Of Quebec
Every Saturday, from 9.30pm
Lip-sync supremo Anna Toni serves up a magnificent assortment of drag and cabaret every Saturday night at one of the longest-running LGBTQ+ venues in the country, which is less than a minute from Marble Arch tube station. Expect live music, lip-sync, comedy, dance and more. Free entry.
Tube: Marble Arch
Power of Four at Two BrewersÂ
Every Sunday, from 4pm
The flagship drag event at Clapham’s famous LGBTQ+ venue which takes place every Sunday without fail. Expect high-spirited shows from some of the best drag artists the UK had to offer like Sandra, Mary Mac, Miss Jason, Marsha Mallow, Poppycock. Free entry before 6pm, £7 after. Post-cabaret, DJ Demon keeps the party going till 2am. A great way to spend a Sunday!
114 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UJ
Tube: Clapham North
Miss Penny’s Play Your Cards Right at Halfway to Heaven
Weds 10th, 17th, 24th, from 8pm
Midweek fun with a drag powerhouse. Miss Penny belts out the big numbers, keeps the vibe light and jovial, and invites punters to play games with her. Prizes to be won, including cold hard cash. Plus, it’s free entry all night! A no-nonsense, good value, fun night out!
Tube: Charing Cross
Drag Royale with Candy Heals at Zodiac Bar
Friday 12th, from 8pm
Camp hi-jinx and songs galore courtesy of a dazzling cabaret star. And there’s bound to be a generous helping of wisecracking as Candy is known for her fast and sharp tongue! A friendly LGBTQ+ venue which is just a short stroll from both Euston and Warren Street tube stations. Showtime is 9pm, followed by DJ. Free entry before 9pm!
Tube: Euston/Warren Street
Stephanie Von Clitz at Admiral Duncan Â
Sunday 14th, from 6pm
The Dorset Tart With a Heart takes to the stage of Soho’s popular drag cabaret bar for an early evening shindig. Expect lots of singalongs, ribald humour, and happy vibes. Free entry all evening. This venue is always bustling for cabaret! Be sure to check out my interview with Stephanie in the print edition of this month’s Gay London Life.
54 Old Compton Street, W1D 4UD
Tube: Leicester Square
Recon Fetish Cabaret at Royal Vauxhall Tavern
Thursday 18th, from 7pm
Hosted by international fetish fiend and stunning vocalist, Letitia Delish; Recon Fetish is a social night of fun, fetish and queer cabaret. Hit up Recon’s socials for all the tantalising line-up updates. Dress code: gear up! Civvies are also welcome. Doors open at 7pm. Showtime 8pm.
Tube: Vauxhall
Cabaret with Chanel N°5 at Two BrewersÂ
Thursday 18th, from 9.30pm
Little miss vintage doing what she does best, entertaining the punters of Clapham’s palace of LGBTQ+ cabaret. Marvel at Chanel’s stunning gowns and breathtaking vocals, and dance the night away post-show with DJ Amy LaQueefa. Everyone knows that Thursday is the window to the weekend, and Chanel eases us in gently with a lighthearted and well-crafted show. Happy hour is 5pm-7pm (check with the bar regarding which drinks are currently on offer). Free entry before 9pm, £5 after.
114 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UJ
Tube: Clapham North
The Z DollZ Friday Cabaret Show at Zodiac BarÂ
Friday 19th, from 8.30pm
A night of pop classics, singalongs and dance with drag starlets Aeliana Cortez and Eva Iva. The atmosphere at Zodiac is largely relaxed and convivial. No attitude, just a fun night out. Free entry before 9pm.
Tube: Euston/Warren Street
Sandra at The Old Ship
Saturday 20th, from 9pm
There’s ‘legends’ and then there’s SANDRA. A drag artist who has seen it all and is still going strong. Sandra is rightly venerated by countless LGBTQ+ cabaret-goers, and she always puts on an absolutely brilliant show whichever venue she’s performing at. Expect playful bawdy banter, familiar dance/pop numbers, and a euphoric party atmosphere which is sure to round off your weekend in style!
17 Barnes Street, E14 7NW
DLR: Limehouse
These LGBTQ London cabaret events will leave you wanting more, but don’t worry! You can catch another fabulous Ten of the Best, by Jason same time next month.
In the meantime, if you’re looking for upcoming LGBTQ+ Events in London, check out our comprehensive event diary, here.
Give Jason a follow @jasonreiduk
