The Lady Boys of Bangkok

From students to pensioners to the most manly of men, The Lady Boys of Bangkok have something for everyone. 

Originating from Bangkok, the show is currently touring the UK with their latest trademark show Fantasy and Feathers. The spellbound cabaret show is performed by 16 of the most beautiful show-girls Bangkok has to offer, who all happen to be men. From their painstakingly-applied immaculate make-up to their stunning costumes, it is hard to accept that there is not a woman in sight. Whatever your gender and orientation you may find yourself a little, well, confused.

The Lady Boys of Bangkok is staged in the unique ambiance of the Sabai Pavilion, far from the everyday humdrum world. You easily become immersed into the fantasy atmosphere. The show is two hours of terrific entertainment and comedy – it's a unique night out and a perfect way of reintroducing cabaret to a 21st century audience which, mostly, has not seen cabaret before.

The comedy cabaret, burlesque, variety show combines Bangkok's nightlife with the show-girl glamour of Las Vegas. Once you get over the initial curiosity towards the show you will begin to realise that you're at one of the best shows in town. This clap along drag show is a must see.

The troupe of glamorous boys-as-girls mime to pop songs while performing energetic dance routines with not a centimetre of cellulite insight! They perform a sexy space-themed number (featuring the front of house dwarf as E.T), sensuous Latin rhythms and classical pop hits by Tina Turner, Madonna and Lady Gaga. There's even a side-splitting Bangkok’s Got Talent section of the show that sees Jedward take to the stage to Ghostbusters with a routine that leaves the surrounding audience wet and, rather cruelly, has Susan Boyle hustled off in a straight jacket.

The girls continue to showcase their dancing abilities to songs such as Cheryl Cole’s Fight For This Love and Up by The Saturdays. The male dancers (yes, not all of the cast are dressed up as women) also went on to perform to hits such as YMCA which really brought one of the biggest responses from the packed tent.

A trademark of the show is the traditional element of audience participation. As always, this year is no different. The 'women' descended into the auditorium to find an unsuspecting male...or three. It’s all done in a good-humoured style and the guys seemed to really enjoy their moment in the limelight.

It's also worth mentioning that it's not only the performers that make this a great night out, the front of house staff also add to the exceptional standard of the evening. In fact, one of the male ushers does a sexy shirtless number which sees his dreamy body emerge from a bath of water and ends with him twirling above the crowd on ribbons for an aerial act – he certainly got the crowd wet!

4/5
For tour details see ladyboysofbangkok.co.uk