Since 2017, Royal Museums Greenwich has marked LGBTQ+ History Month, which spans February, with a month-long programme of Pride-related events.
A highlight is always Fierce Queens, a raucous celebration of LGBTQ+ history, hosted by drag king Adam All and his queen, Apple Derrieres.
Ordinarily, the show sees the king and queen of cabaret take over the Queen’s House in Greenwich, but while the museum is undergoing renovations, you’ll find them strutting the boards of Cutty Sark instead.
The 2023 event marks Adam and Apple’s fourth year curating Fierce Queens, which brings together performers and historians for a celebration of queer liberation and LGBTQ+ history.
The duo have helped drag cross the threshold into a number of prestigious institutions including English Heritage properties, Historic Royal Palaces, the National Theatre and the Royal Opera House.
This year, their show is loosely themed around the 1930s, but its colourful line-up of performers could take you anywhere.
Against the backdrop of sailing masts and a well-stocked bar, look forward to performances from the following…
There’s Charlie George, who in 2019, was crowned LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year. She’s performed stand-up on the BBC Asian Network, and appeared on Comedy Central in Rhod Gilbert’s Growing Pains and ITV2’s Stand Up Sketch Show.
Heating things up is award-winning drag king and reigning Mr Boylesque UK, Mark Anthony, who has been honing his craft for the last six years. Meanwhile, Mimi Sugarpill promises to fuse neo-burlesque with classic glamour.
Also performing is Christian Adore, who was described by Them Magazine as a ‘gender-bending Disney prince’ and comes hotly tipped by the Guardian and Evening Standard. They’re known for their improvised songs and raps, so here’s hoping they bring some musical flair.
Also on the beats is Grace Savage, known for her blend of alternative-pop that’s secured her sets at many of the leading festivals – Glastonbury, Wilderness and Shambala among them – as well as BBC Radio 1 and 6Music.
Crystal Lubricant, who counts Jonathan Ross and the Gay Times among her fans, will also be there, as will poet, performer and playwright Jordan Charles, who TV audiences might remember from his appearances on ITV’s Starstruck with Beverley Knight and as a talent judge on BBC One’s hit show All Together Now.
Professionally-trained Lasana Shabazz can often be found performing in art galleries, theatres, museums and educational spaces. Expect a performance fusing theatre, dance, spoken word and art.
A highlight for veterans of the LGBTQ+ scene will come from Mark Bunyan, who has been singing ‘gay songs’ all over the world since the 1970s. With the late Brian Kennedy, he co-founded the Pink Singers in 1983, now the oldest LGBTQ+ choir in Europe.
Also appearing on stage in a puff of eco glitter is Oedipussi Rex, self-described as the ‘Beardiest of Drag Barbarians and all around hot mess’.
Last but not least, multi-genre DJ and alternative drag artist MYNXIE is bringing the beats.
Fierce Queens has been co-produced with members of the LGBTQ+ community, who have chosen to use the term ‘queer’ in the description of the event.
Fierce Queens is being held on Cutty Sark, King William Walk, London SE10 9HT. February 24, 7pm – 11pm.
Admission: £16/£14 concessions.
