The Art Of Drag continung a glorious tradition at London’s legendary RVT

If there ever was such a thing as a sacred holy queer place of worship in London it would not be a church but the legendary ROYAL VAUXHALL TAVERN (known as the RVT).  Built between 1860 and 1862 in Kennington Lane on land which was originally part of the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens it is South London’s oldest surviving gay venue, which started after WW2 when returning servicemen and local gay men were reportedly attracted to the venue. Even then, it  held shows by female impersonators (drag shows)

Over the decades, as gay venues came and went, the now legendary RVT managed to stay open, always changing with the times.  Even now, it’s difficult not to come across a local gay man (and some women too)  who hasn’t fond personal memories of the place  (including this writer)! The place predated TV, and some drag performers who cut their teeth there became really big stars based purely on their natural talents.  They included the likes of Hinge and Bracket, Regina Fong, The Trollettes and Paul Grady aka Lily Savage.  It wasn’t just a pub/club where gay men hooked up(!) it also became a destination for celebrites to hang out on the down low.  The most famous of these, who came in dressed as a man and accompanied by Freddie Mercury and Kenny Everett, was Princess Diana.

Its commttemt to providing a stage for some outstandng queer talented still continues and you really havent lived untl you’ve seen the hilarousy quick witted potty-mouthed Myra DuBois do one of her Sunday Shows. then you simply haven’t lived.   (BTW if you are the slightest bit shy DO NOT STAND in Myra’s line of syght)

Now there’s a new monthly show, that we think you should put in your diaries now.  After a decade of running The Art Of Drag course at RVT, Michael Twaits is curating a new monthly night spanning the spectrum of drag. There’ll be a mixture of headline superstars, pop up appearances and open mic style slots for up and coming acts. Get ready for cracking comedy, bonkers burlesque, singing sensations and act that will make you questions what drag is!   You can exoect; 

Michael Twaits – hosting a programming a night of sensation drag  with his partner in crime Sarah Rose on the keys. Expect improvised chaos, show tunes and campery.

LoUis CYfer – the award winning, international Drag King sensation LoUis CYfer. Ground breaking performer : Actor, producer, performer, legend – we can’t wait to see what they are bringing with them!

Dosa Cat – The sublime Dosa brings drag excellence to the RVT. Fusing formats, fashions and fun they’ll provide some show stopping moments 

Kim Moan Ho – the long-lost Pussycat Doll. Having been in the shadows of Nicole Scherzinger, she’s now making a name for herself and is ready to show you that she isn’t just a glorified backup dancer. Kim graduated from The Art of Drag course in 2022 and has been performing across London ever since and is delighted to be back at the RVT!

Chase Bush – Sensational, singing Drag King stylist and The Art of Drag draguate!  He’s a hairstylist, he’s a singer, and he’s bringing ‘hairarpy’ back to the RVT ! For all your styling needs Chase Bush will not disappoint. We can’t wait to see that quiff back in action!

Ivanka Manoff – After graduating in 2017 we thought she’d been deported. But the Russian sensation returned with more anecdotes from her oligarch lifestyle. Songs and stories from a twisted mind that are terrifyingly timely.

Ra’angelus – Our most addition to the family – xey graduated from The Art Of Drag earlier this month but with a piece so powerful we knew we needed xem back straight away. Beautiful, powerful writing raising up queer and trans voices.

Next date June 5th + for all future dates https://www.facebook.com/TheArtOfDragUK

If you’d like to get on stage: drop an email to [email protected]

If you’d like to learn more about Drag: the next round of The Art Of Drag course will begin on Mondays in September 2025 for 10 weeks before the showcase in November! To book in visit http://link.outsavvy.com/theartofdrag25