Drag Kings: A Very British Affair
Make way for the Drag Kings!
Feature
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...
1 Comment
Pablo Pasolini
10 May 2010Hi Pablo Pasolini here please can you help me we are doing a short film of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and would love it if as many people could come a long and do that time warp a gene it will start at 1pm and finish at 3pm on wed 6th oct this week at Faculty of Creative Arts, Bower Ashton Campus, Kennel Lodge Road, Bristol - 0117 328 4716 all we are trying to do is have lots of fun and make some fast art it would be lovely to see every one there looking beautiful there will be a small party after the film thanks xxx Please call me as soon as you can 07583287464 lets do that time warp a gene