London’s exciting live performance VAULT festival begins again this month after a three-year absence. From Tuesday 24^th January until Sunday 19^th March, there is a full program of live entertainment featuring theatre, comedy, cabaret, immersive experiences, and late-night entertainment. The excellent, well-priced, diverse program features over 500 events from both established and up-and-coming performers, including many queer shows. Here are a few queer events that I recommend.

Queerdos Cabaret

Cabaret star RhysPieces and the Queerdos invite you to a theatrical variety experience. Come along for a night filled with drag, dance, burlesque, live music, and lots more. 

Sunday 12^th Feb 1640

https://vaultfestival.com/events/queerdos-cabaret/

You Shall Not Yass

Saddle your horses, gather your Fellowship, and prepare to travel there and back again as Tolkein’s epic fantasy franchise gets a queer make-over from drag superstars HERR and ME. 

Tues 24^th Jan – Thurs 26^th Jan 2030

https://vaultfestival.com/events/you-shall-not-yass/

KINGS OF  CLUBS 

Can we shine a light on the biggest fears, phobias, and fuck-ups in our society and cure them with the power of Drag Kings?  King Frankie Sinatra invites you to come and find out. 

Friday 3^rd – Sat 4^th Feb 1845/1915

https://vaultfestival.com/events/kings-of-clubs/

Buff

After a bad break up from a six-year relationship, a 32-year-old, plus-sized, gay primary school teacher finds he must sublet his flat to a buff Instagram model. A funny yet poignant solo-performed play, BUFF explores body image pressures, jealousy, and the journey toward self-acceptance through the world of social media and online dating.

Thurs 31^st Jan – Sun 19^th Feb 2100/1645

https://vaultfestival.com/events/buff/

Smalltown Boy: The Remix (Work in Progress)

Comedy about a gay man with autism who explores a lifetime of trying to fit in with other men, with mixed results. Yorkshire-born Harry explores their autism, sexuality, and class identity, plus dick jokes.

Thurs 2^nd Feb – Fri 24^th Feb 2015

https://vaultfestival.com/events/smalltown-boy-the-remix-work-in-progress/

Love Me Like a Chai Tea Latte

Another comedy. First dates, cups of chai, and a bag of racism. Come join Glasgow-based Sanjay Lago as he shares stories of his dating life as a Gaysian.

Thurs 7^th Feb – Weds 8^th Feb 2030

https://vaultfestival.com/events/love-me-like-a-chai-tea-latte/

Jason

Filmed in a single drunken night at a NYC apartment, Shirley Clarke’s seminal 1967 documentary, ‘Portrait of Jason’ was a landmark in queer cinema. In his own words, Jason is ‘a hustler, house-boy, stone-whore, a vicious cunt and a sweet sensitive child’. Described by Ingmar Bergman as ‘the most extraordinary film I’ve seen in my life’.

Tues 24^th– Sun 29^th Jan

https://vaultfestival.com/events/jason/

Sian Davis: This Charming Man

Award-winning, working-class queer comedienne Sian loves men but she has a toxic relationship with all her male role models. An exploration of masculinity, gender and identity from a self-identifying butch woman who has an unhealthy obsession with The Smiths.

Sat 28^th Jan 1920

https://vaultfestival.com/events/sian-davies-this-charming-man-work-in-progress/

Full details of all performances, venues and ticket purchases at www.vaultfestival.com

Queerguru’s Contributing Editor Ris Fatah is a successful fashion/luxury business consultant  (when he can be bothered) who divides and wastes his time between London and Ibiza. He is a lover of all things queer, feminist, and human rights in general. @ris.fatah