Drag Kings: A Very British Affair
Following its brief moment in the spotlight during Victorian music hall performances, drag king shows – where women dressed as men –
Some king performers take on realistic male personas on the stage by strapping down the chest area, ‘packing’ (typically created by sock-filled condoms), and adding realistic facial hair. Performances are usually mimed comic songs, performed as a ‘troupe’ of band members. However, solo performers, who take the act into wilder and more feisty territory, are becoming increasingly common.
Worldwide, ‘kinging’ has moved on from the days of old, but backward Britannia is still dragging her high heels. Drag queens have long been accepted in the gay scene, and more recently in mainstream entertainment, but sadly drag kings are yet to gain the same widespread popularity.
There is some hope though. The annual Transfabulous Festival is a big showcase for drag kings, and Wotever World group hosts a variety of different drag king-packed nights. If this risqué revolution does take hold, we reckon there’s no reason drag kings shouldn’t have as much stage-space as their successful queen counterparts. Perhaps the art of female cross-dressing is about to come home.
Whilst you’re waiting, why not check out some old-school drag queen performances at Birmingham’s most fabulous gay cabaret venue, Glamourous Show Bar...
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