By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Font ResizerAa
  • Home
  • Drag Queens
  • Interviews
  • LGBTQ
  • Popular Culture
Search
  • Home
    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Advertise
  • Drag Queens
    • RuPaul’s Drag Race
  • Interviews
  • LGBTQ
  • Popular Culture
Follow US
© Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.
> Drag Queens > How Drag Is Helping To Save London Theatre
Drag Queens

How Drag Is Helping To Save London Theatre

Guest Contributor
Last updated: December 18, 2020 10:18 am
Guest Contributor
6 Min Read
Share
SHARE

Eight months ago London’s West End was glittering brighter than ever, new talent was being discovered, classic shows were playing to sold out audiences, and the future looked bright. Then on 16th March, the UK government issued a ban on public gatherings to halt the spread of coronavirus, decimating the theatre industry overnight. 

Fast forward to the present and theatres across London are beginning to wake up after their prolonged hibernation, playing to socially-distanced audiences, wearing masks and following stringent health protocols, but thrilled to begin creating and sharing art once again. 

One particular art form is more present than ever in this reopening – drag! London is about to stage its first ever all-drag comedy at the Garrick Theatre, Death Drop, starring two superstar queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race US – Courtney Act and Monét X Change, as well as a mirage of talented queens from the UK and beyond.

  • How Drag Is Helping To Save London Theatre 1
    Photo by Matt Crockett

Described as a ‘Dragatha Christie Murder-Mystery’, the show is packed full of goop-worthy gags, scandalous reads, life-saving lip syncs and enough twists and turns to make the Queen of Crime proud.

One of the first musicals to reopen since the pandemic will be Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at the Apollo Theatre. This smash-hit musical has been wowing audiences for over three years in the West End and fans have been clambering for news of its return. Based on the true story of Jamie Campbell who dreamed of becoming a drag queen and wanted to wear a dress to his school prom, the musical is being adapted into a blockbuster film for release in 2021. 

  • How Drag Is Helping To Save London Theatre 2
    Photo by Matt Crockett

Oscar winner Richard E. Grant will be taking on the role of iconic drag queen Loco Channelle, who inspires Jamie (Max Horwood) to follow his dreams. In the West End, TV star Shane Richie will be slipping into the heels from January, alongside newcomer Noah Thomas in the lead role. One of the most beloved stars from Drag Race, Bianca Del Rio has appeared in this musical several times, as well as Michelle Visage and Drag Race UK’s Vinegar Strokes!

Completing the trio of dragtastic shows sashaying into London is Hairspray. This classic musical is being revived at the London Coliseum in what is sure to be an epic production. Michael Ball, who drew huge acclaim and was showered with awards for his performance as reclusive mum Edna Turnblad over ten years ago, is returning to the role in Spring 2021.

  • How Drag Is Helping To Save London Theatre 3

Looking further into the future, drag’s sickening hold over London theatre isn’t showing any signs of slowing down – the acclaimed musical adaptation of David Walliams’ children’s book The Boy in the Dress is set to open in London, as well as rumoured Broadway transfers of hit musicals Tootsie and Mrs Doubtfire. 

Drag in theatre is hardly a new concept though; in fact, its origins can be traced back to Ancient Greece. Back then, drag was a necessity as the Greeks thought women were unfit for the stage, a notion that was carried all the way through to the patriarchal society of Shakespeare’s times, so young chorus boys and male actors would don dresses and play the female roles. 

Drag then exploded during the Victorian era with Vaudeville acts all vying for their moment in the spotlight. Men would dress in outlandish gowns to get noticed, while female comics would dress as males for a better chance of being heard. It’s during this time that the word ‘drag’ gets its name – the dresses the men wore would often drag across the stage, coining the term that’s become so popular today.

This era also gave us the Pantomime dame, a vital component of the beloved British tradition that children and adults alike adore. Usually played by an older, broad male performance, British audiences still pack into their local theatres year-on-year to witness this fabulously camp spectacle. 

With RuPaul’s Drag Race bringing the wonderful, multi-faceted world of drag firmly into the mainstream, directors are being more daring as well as new talents challenging gender norms and stereotypes, here’s to the reign of drag in theatre never ending! 


How Drag Is Helping To Save London Theatre 4

Nathan Pearce has lived and breathed theatre for as long as he can remember, from the biggest musicals to experimental shows. As Content Executive at SeatPlan, he is on a mission to help every theatregoer book the best seats at the best value.

TAGGED:Bianca Del RioCourtney ActDavid WalliamsDeathdropEverybody's Talking About JamieGarrick TheatreHairsprayJamie CampbellLondonMax HorwoodMichael BallMichelle VisageMonet X. ChangeNathan PearceRichard E. GrantThe Boy In The Dress
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByGuest Contributor
WERRRK.com is always bring in fresh voices for new and exciting articles, like this one! Let us know what you think of these new contributors!
Previous Article The Pandalorian Recaps: The Mandalorian Episode 2.7
Next Article The Pandalorian Recaps: The Mandalorian Episode 2.8
Leave a Comment Leave a Comment

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Stay Connected
8.2kFollowersLike
1.9kFollowersFollow
16.9kFollowersFollow
1.6kSubscribersSubscribe
Subscribe to WERRRK.com

Join 8,218 other subscribers
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image
Search in this site
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image
Wigging Out Podcast
Wigging Out Podcast
Wigging Out Podcast

Drag Queens! Drag Kings! And all things nightlife are discussed in this brand new podcast hosted by two broke queens from NYC.

Listen OnApple PodcastsListen OnExternalListen OnExternal

Podcast Subscription Menu

Wigging Watchery EP 21: Mamma Mia 2
byMartyr & C.Tepper

“Can you hear the drums, Fernando?” In this bonus episode, Cate (@ctepper), and Martyr (@dragthemartyr) are joined by special guest Boyfriend Cody! This episode is meant to be listened to along with the movie. So, grab your favorite snack and listen to these idiots talk about movies!
~
Watch along with us: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B07FMTQX4X/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
+
tinyurl.com/wiggingoutpodcast
This episode is proudly sponsored by MOTTO- the new queer dating app!
Tired of the endless scrolling? With Motto, Motto sends you daily matches of people who match your interests and kinks. There are no fees, no ads, and no nonsense.
Use invite code: ZVOGS when signing up.
~
Follow the pod on Instagram and Facebook @wiggingoutpodcast and on twitter @wiggingoutpod
Thots, comments, and dick pics? Please send to dragthemartyr@gmail.com
Cover art: @glitterbabyonline
Music: “Club” by Andrew Huang (www.youtube.com/channel/UCdcemy56JtVTrsFIOoqvV8g) under Creative Commons.
Edits by Martyr

Wigging Watchery EP 21: Mamma Mia 2
Wigging Watchery EP 21: Mamma Mia 2
July 14, 2025
Martyr & C.Tepper
Ep 122: Atomic Annie Returns!
July 10, 2025
Martyr & C.Tepper
Wigging Watchery EP 20: Emilia Perez
June 29, 2025
Martyr & C.Tepper
Ep 121: Pride 2025 With Gina Tonic!
June 23, 2025
Martyr & C.Tepper
Ep 120: Pride 2025 With Bertha Vanayshun!
June 12, 2025
Martyr & C.Tepper
Ep 119: Vampy Von Thickums Galore Returns!
May 30, 2025
Martyr & C.Tepper
Ep 118: Magnifa
May 6, 2025
Martyr & C.Tepper
Ep 117: Robin Rose Quartz Returns!
April 30, 2025
Martyr & C.Tepper
Wigging Watchery EP 19: Scooby-Doo
April 23, 2025
Martyr & C.Tepper
Ep 116: Boyish Charm
April 10, 2025
Martyr & C.Tepper
Search Results placeholder
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image
Latest news
  • Ruby Dickulous Makes History On HGTV’s “House Hunters”!
  • YUNGBLUD brings intimacy and chaos in equal measure to Southampton
  • “Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale” Arrives On WOW Presents Plus This August!
  • ACT OUT, DIVA! Brings A New “SENSATION” To The Stage At Paradise!
  • Where is the Song of the Summer??
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image
Categories

You Might Also Like

Miss Bio-WERRRK Pageant
Drag QueensPageants

Miss Bio-WERRRK 2016: Creative Eveningwear Videos

You can vote once every 24 hours between now and…

1 Min Read
'Drag Race México' Reveals The Sizzling New Cast For Season 2! 6
RuPaul's Drag RaceTelevision

‘Drag Race México’ Reveals The Sizzling New Cast For Season 2!

After a spectacular Season 1 (which saw Christian Peralta crowned…

2 Min Read

Dragworld UK 2018 Coverage: What Queen Could Replace The Queen?

Dragworld UK returned to London last weekend and brought an…

5 Min Read
Help Save Atomic Cosmetics! 8
Cosmetics and BeautyDrag Queens

Help Save Atomic Cosmetics!

Chiffon Dior: Dr. Jen, I wish I was talking to…

10 Min Read
Follow US
© Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Privacy
  • Site Map
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Twitter
 

Loading Comments...