London’s exciting live performance VAULT festival begins again this month after a three-year absence. From Tuesday 24th January until Sunday 19th 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 CabaretCabaret 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 12th Feb 1640
https://vaultfestival.com/events/queerdos-cabaret/
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 24th Jan – Thurs 26th Jan 2030
https://vaultfestival.com/events/you-shall-not-yass/
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 3rd – Sat 4th Feb 1845/1915
https://vaultfestival.com/events/kings-of-clubs/
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 31st Jan – Sun 19th 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 2nd Feb – Fri 24th Feb 2015
https://vaultfestival.com/events/smalltown-boy-the-remix-work-in-progress/
Love Me Like a Chai Tea LatteAnother 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 7th Feb – Weds 8th Feb 2030
https://vaultfestival.com/events/love-me-like-a-chai-tea-latte/
JasonFilmed 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 24th– Sun 29th Jan
https://vaultfestival.com/events/jason/
Sian Davis: This Charming ManAward-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 28th 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
Labels: 2023, London, Ris Fatah, Top Picks, Vault Festival
