It’s that time of the year when the sun pops out from beneath the clouds for a few days, and we all get dead excited. As well as the various Pride events taking place anywhere there’s a post office, there are some cracking shows coming up. And as much as I love the sun (I mean, have you seen my tan), I’ve always been a total night owl and my idea of cabaret bliss is going along to a theatre or a spit and sawdust club for a good meaty show. So, with that in mind, here’s my top cabaret picks for this summer in London..
Thursday 16th June
The Double R Club presents the inaugural Mr Twin Peaks contest
Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club
Inspired directly or indirectly by the dark and surreal worlds of David Lynch, The Double R Club takes you into shadow and smoke, into dream-worlds both good and bad, and will show you the impossible, the erotic and the profoundly disquieting.
Hosted by Benjamin Louche, performers competing for the title of Mr Twin Peaks include: Chrysalis, Anil Desai, Blanche Dubois and Tricity Vogue to name but a few.
There’s a fancy dress competition (and we’re reliably informed there’s some huge prizes on offer); plus free doughnuts, and free Agent Cooper Coffee Cocktails! What’s not to love about all that?
Friday 1st July
Drag Idol Grand Final
Two Brewers
Two months of UK-wide heats come to a climactic crescendo as four acts representing various venues perform for the title of Drag Idol champion 2016. Hosted by Idol alumni Crystal D’Canter and Kelly Mild, this is always a hugely busy event so pop it in the diary and get there early.
Previous winners of the competition have gone on to great success both on the cabaret circuit and in the mainstream. 2015 winner Danny Beard reached the live shows of this year’s Britain’s Got Talent (and did drag proud – boooo Simon Cowell). The final line-up hasn’t been announced yet, but as always I imagine there’ll be a panel of cabaret industry experts presiding over affairs, with the usual addition of a celebrity judge. Last year was Sinitta. I’m hoping for Sam Fox this year…
Sunday 17th July
S.L.A.G.S starring Johnathan Hellyer as the D.E Experience
The Royal Vauxhall Tavern
When this news was announced recently there was an instant tsunami of online interest, the likes of which you’d expect for a rock star. Why? Well, it’s because the D.E Experience (if you didn’t already know) is the equivalent of a drag rock star. D.E Experience also has a huge and loyal fan base.
Following a hugely successful resurgence at Birmingham Pride, Johnathan Hellyer will return to his beloved RVT stage for the first time since 2014, ably assisted by DJ Simon Le Vans. I’d go so far as to say this will be an event that you’ll need to queue up for hours in advance to ensure entry. Few details have been released yet, but one thing is for sure; it will be EPIC!
Tuesday 19th July
Myra DuBois – Self AdMyra
London Wonderground – The Spiegeltent
If you’ve never seen Myra perform, I’d be inclined to ask if you’ve been living under a rock somewhere. She is one of the funniest and most talented drag cabaret acts to come through in the last few years, her razor-sharp wit and humour will have you roaring with laughter the minute she saunters on to the stage.
Myra arrives at this year’s London Wonderground festival with a show about her favourite subject, herself. Myra loves Myra. There’s no getting away from it. Self AdMyra is a show all about accepting that she is a fan of herself, less an exercise in self-help and more a testimony of ego she is taking her rightful place amongst her AdMyras.
Wednesday 31st August
Trevor Ashley’s Liza’s Back!
London Wonderground
A rare opportunity to see the acclaimed Australian actor and performer Trevor Ashley back in London as Liza for the first time since 2013. Ashley’s Liza (on an E) toured across Australia, Europe and in London’s West End to glowing reviews.
This time round in Liza’s Back! (is broken) we are treated to an exploration of all the great Broadway roles that Minnelli should have played over the last forty years. Liza is direct from rehab, and with a 7-piece big band to boot.
Having performed in Les Miserable and Hairspray Ashley knows a thing or two about musical theatre. And as Liza he has the exaggerated performance style, nuances and delirium down to a tee.
