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.
Tis the season when us gays get extra excited for things that go bump in the night, and putting the willies up others. This month I’ve peppered my list with some Halloween treats, as well as the usual gorge assortment of cabarets in the capital…
Saturdays at The RVTÂ
Every Saturday, from 9pm
A perfect menagerie of Saturday night cabaret and clubbing in the form of bitesize shows from some of the best drag and burlesque artists London has to offer, hosted by lip-sync supremo Me the Drag Queen. Post-turns you can dance the night away to classic and modern pop courtesy of David Robson and various guest DJs. Halloween special is on the 29th!
372 Kennington Lane, SE11 5HY
Tube: Vauxhall
Showtime Sunday at Ye Olde Rose and Crown
Sunday 2nd, from 4pm
Can’t really go wrong with spending Sunday in the company of two super-talented showgals. Dolly Diamomd and Miss Moppe serve up musical theatre, pop and ballad numbers, interspersed with wry repartee. Devour a roast and settle down for the entertainment. Perfect end to the weekend tbqh.
1 Crooms Hill, Greenwich, SE10 8ER
DLR: Cutty Sark
Le Fil’s Timeless Birthday Party at The GloryÂ
Tuesday 4th, from 8pm
Celebrate the birthday of the altogether sublime Le Fil who’s currently slaying on Drag Race UK. There’ll be performances from Fil’s friends Mahatma Khandi, Prinxcess Silver, TIN and Ella Veryde. Goes from 8 till late.
281 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8AS
Overground: Haggerston
Funnyboyz London Presents: Cynthia Lee Fontaine at Two Brewers
Friday 7th, from 7pm
RuPaul’s Drag Race fan favourite Cynthia Lee Fontaine touches down at the Brewers for one night only, thanks to Funnyboyz. Hosted by glamazon Tequila Thirst, with support from Imani Versace. Prepare to be blown away because Cynthia is a sensational live performer!
114 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UJ
Tube: Clapham North
Cybil’s House presents… Long Live The Kings at The White Swan
Saturday 8th, from 10pm
Hosted by the unstoppable Cybil War, this edition of their house is dedicated to the great and the good of the drag king scene. With performances from Saint Sinister, Shardeazy Afrodesiak, Don One and more. Club night goes till 3.30am.  Always an electric atmosphere.
56 Commercial Road, E14 7JD
DLR: Limehouse
Chanel N°5 Affairs to Remember at The Pheasantry
Wednesday 12th, 8pm
Billed as a brand new cabaret about the lives and heartbreaks of Hollywood’s glittering stars, with iconic songs from that bygone era; queen supreme Chanel N°5 teams up with the very suave Luke Baker for this show. Chanel is a stunning vocalist who revels in opulence, so this is sure to be a spectator affair.
152 Kings Road, SW3 4UT
Tube: Sloane Square
Gender X – Mermaids Fundraiser at Royal Vauxhall Tavern
Thursday 13th, from 7pm
A very special event, fundraising for Mermaids which is a charity that has been supporting transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse children, young people, and their families since 1995. A whole host of cabaret stars will be taking to the iconic RVT stage, including Pride’s Got Talent winner Alexa Vox, drag king Toby Carvery, Margo Marshall, Cocoa Butter Club founder and host Sadie Sinner, Frankie Sinatra, Mahatma Khandi and Charlie Wood. That’s one hell of a cabaret bill, and worth every penny of the ticket price. Drag sensation Chiyo hosts.
372 Kennington Lane, SE11 5HY
Tube: Vauxhall
LoUis CYfer presents: Heavy Metal Halloween at Two Brewers
Thursday 13th, from 7.30pm
King of kings LoUis CYfer joins (dark) forces with burlesque legend Wildvixen in order to merge the best of heavy metal with the spooky shenanigans of Halloween for this extra special one-off cabaret. Expect awe-inspiring performances from ghoulish guest artists Cleopantha, Silver Rox and Tristan Treble. Plus there’ll be games to get your teeth into, and prizes from the mummy for best/worst dressed. A proper Halloween extravaganza!
114 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UJ
Tube: Clapham North
The Queer Comedy Club at Zodiac Bar Â
Saturday 15th, 7.30pm
I think I speak for most people when I say that what the world needs right now is more laughter. This north London comedy night features eight of the hottest queer comedy acts on the circuit right now: Lily Webb, Sumi, Kate Dale, Jack Coles, Sam Roulston and Merry Martyn. Two full hours of top-notch comedy for just a fiver — in this economy, that’s very welcome indeed. And unlike most comedy clubs, you don’t get kicked out shortly after the gig. Enjoy drinks and dancing till the early hours in the gorge setting of London’s newest LGBTQ+ venue.
119 Hampstead Road, NW1 3EE
Tube: Euston Square
CK Sunday Halloween at Halfway to Heaven
Sunday 30th, from 4pm
The legendary pairing of Crystal D’Canter and Kelly Mild are known for their annual Halloween party which is always a total scream. Dress to impress, or just rock up and enjoy the festivities. Singalongs galore guaranteed!
7 Duncannon Street, WC2N 4JF
Tube: Charing Cross
Catch up with Jason again here!, for his November top ten this time next month!
