The best drag there is.
I don’t know about you, but there’s only one show that’s been getting me through the third lockdown - and that show is Drag Race UK. Having been a massive fan of the US original, I was so gassed when I realised they were making a version right here in the UK. It’s bold, brash, and unapologetically unique; whilst also being wholesome and empowering, which is exactly what the doctor ordered amid one of the bleakest winters on record. Over the last few months, I’ve come to the conclusion that Bimini Bon Boulash can get you through anything.
I can’t claim to be directly involved in the UK drag scene – there have been plenty of queens involved in it for decades; hustling, facing discrimination, and basically doing whatever it takes to follow their passion. However, thanks in part to opportunities like Drag Race, the UK drag scene has exploded in mainstream popularity over the last couple of years. Although queens across the country have been temporarily stopped in their (platform heeled) tracks due to the pandemic, as restrictions ease, we are slowly seeing shows and drag bars coming back – bigger and better than ever.
We have so many recommendations we can offer you if you are either a hardcore drag fan, or like me, have been introduced to it more recently.
1. Bar WOTEVER at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, Vauxhall
It would be unthinkable to compile a list of the best drag nights without including the Royal Vauxhall Tavern somewhere on our list. The Royal Vauxhall Tavern has been a gay institution since the end of World War Two when servicemen and local gay men used the venue as a meeting place. In the 1980s, The RVT became known as ‘The Palladium of Drag’ with stars such as Paul O’Grady as Lily Savage who had an 8 year, 4 times a week residency.
Steeped in heritage, Bar WOTEVER – otherwise known as the Royal Queer Variety Show – happens every Tuesday night. The event welcomes everybody regardless of how you identify, and offers cabaret acts, live music, films, spoken word nights and even film screenings.
Tickets are available on the door for this event with a suggested price of £6 for full price entrants and £4 for concessions – amazing value for money. Find out more here.
