The Lady Boys of Bangkok are back for Brighton Fringe, and they’re celebrating their 25th anniversary with a bang. So if you like lip-syncing, sequins, pop bangers and high camp, this is the show for you.
Although to be fair, it offers more than just sensory overload. The performance is incredibly fun, visually spectacular, ultra professional and super inclusive.
The audience was filled with every demographic. Young, old, gay, straight, hen parties, birthday parties and date nights. Everyone was made to feel welcome by the table hosts and the Sabai Pavilion in Victoria Gardens was heaving.
Not really knowing what to expect (well, ok, having a rough idea) the first half of the show opened with a nod to the Lady Boys’ beautiful Thai heritage in traditional outfits, before they burst into a medley of poptastic showstoppers. Kylie, Rihanna, Madonna, Dua Lipa and more were all outperformed in costumes that would give Strictly Come Dancing a run for its money.
To add a dollop of comedy to the night, the show was hosted by a fabulous Thai drag queen. She kept things saucy with the right amount of comedy, audience interaction and bare cheek.
The second half of the show was rooted in cabaret with a mix of West End musical hits, acrobatics, burlesque and performances from a troupe of K-pop hotties. The mix of drag, lady boys and male artists kept the party pace going at high energy.
So where to end on this elaborate extravaganza? The couple at the table with us were snogging and smashing shots of tequila. The lads on the next table were wearing flashing neon headbands. The hen party were up and dancing. The energy was palpable as the crowd roared for the encores.
We would definitely recommend The Lady Boys of Bangkok for an evening of high-kitsch, yet surprisingly wholesome joy, that radiates long after show’s fireworks have fizzled out.
Daily (except Tuesdays) from 8th May – 2nd June; various times; from £17
Sabai Pavilion, Victoria Gardens, Brighton, Sussex, BN1 4GU
brightonfringe.org
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