Spotlight on Edinburgh Fringe
Velma Celliin Icomic
Direct from five-star sell-out performances in Australia and across the UK, drag star Velma Celli celebrates some of the most iconic drag moments of stage and popular culture in a show that features the legendary music of Queen, Bowie, Boy George, Lady Gaga and Tina Turner. This action-packed, one-hour-long show, entitled Iconic – A Brief History of Drag, sees Ms Celli sing – not lip sync – for her life, supported by an onstage band and backing singers. Iconic will get its Scottish premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe from 1 until 26 August at Assembly Festival Checkpoint at 9.30pm. Book tickets at tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/iconic-a-brief-history-of-drag
Dietrich: Natural Duty
Set in 1942 on the battlefields of North Africa, intoxicating one-(wo)man cabaret show Dietrich: Natural Duty delivers an evening packed with an irresistible mix of songs, sex and sympathy. This real life tale of a legend takes you through the Weimar Republic, the rise of Hitler and a world on the edge of collapse, right through to the Golden Age of Hollywood. Taking to the stage wearing a gold sequin gown, performer Peter Groom, as Hollywood star Marlene Dietrich, uses music, stories and songs – including Falling In Love Again, Lili Marlene, Where Have All The Flowers Gone?, Boys In The Backroom, and Lola – to reveal the icon’s extraordinary commitment to duty. For shows running from 1 until 27 August, book tickets at tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/dietrich-natural-duty
Really Want To Hurt Me
Written and directed by Ben SantaMaria, and performed by Ryan Price, Really Want To Hurt Me is a funny, bittersweet and painfully honest new one-person play about growing up as a gay teenager in rural Britain in the 1980s.
As the title of the show suggests, it will feature a soundtrack of that decade’s greatest music, featuring huge hits from the likes of Culture Club, Eurythmics, Tears for Fears, The Smiths, Kate Bush, Cocteau Twins and more. This acclaimed play is a celebration of surviving all that life throws at you and escaping into the joys of pop music like your life depends on it, and takes place from 2 until 27 August at the Assembly Hall. Book tickets at tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/really-want-to-hurt-me
Other national stories
Want some bubbles, darling? Everybody does
The team at Margate funhouse Sundowners hosts its annual Foam Party this Friday (27 Jul) from 8pm. Back by popular demand, expect a dancelfoor filled with thick bubbles for your pleasure. Entry is free before 9pm or just £3 after. Then the following night, Katt Kitten hosts a fundraiser in support of Margate Pride with performances from Lavinia Cox and Lana Evoli.
Ms Spangles brings all the boys to The Yard
The fabulous Ms Spangles Galore takes to the stage at The Yard in Coventry this Friday (27 Jul) for another wild start to your weekend. Not only do you get a superb cabaret act insulting the audience – all in the best possible taste, of course – but The Yard was voted Best New Bar, and Best Bar and Best Nightclub outside Birmingham in the Midlands Zone Readers Awards earlier this year, so it’s pretty much a guaranteed super-fun night out. But if you can’t make Friday then fear not, because The Big Saturday Night Out keeps you partying until 4am Sunday morning.
The London Hotel Southampton
Drag superstar Martha D’Arthur hosts her music box karaoke at the London Hotel in Southampton every Thursday from 9pm, while the London Podium sees a double helping of drag every Sunday from 8pm. Don’t miss it!
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