Even though DRAG KINGs date back to the Tang Dynasty, in China from 618 to 907 AD. somehow historically gotten far less attention than Drag Queens.  They have always been present in British culture in past centuries,  think Vesta Tilley, Ella Shields and Hetty King who became major Music Hall Stars,

Fast forward to the present time in London and there is one particular Drag King who is determined that the art of male impersonation will continue to flourish.  Karen Fisch aka KING FRANKIE SINATRA is an activist, archivist, artist, and teacher is like a one-man-band promotor of all things Drag King.  (She told me I could also add she is a singer, mediocre guitarist, compere, producer and comedian)  

King Frankie also runs London’s only dedicated drag king night, Kings of Clubs, which has just celebrated its 5th Birthday, and during this time has presented over 150 Drag Kings.  It’s held at the legendary Royal Vauxhall Tavern (considered the Holy Mecca of queer nightlife in London)  It is  also where King Frankie will be celebrating her own Birthday on 15 March and will be joined on stage by other Drag Kings including Himish McBeth, Mal Content and Pip Dream etc. 

If you have the hankering to try your hand at the art, then on 15th May, King Frankie starts a 6-week course at her College for Kings workshop which will help you find your inner man and help him shine. Plus when she is not there King Frankie also hosts a Drag King Story Hour at a local South London Library …..similar to events in the US that are attracting some dangerous negativity.  And is that is not enough (!) King Frankie has been a judge at MAN UP, Europe’s biggest Drag King Competition!