“A fun-filled fever dream. Not just a show; it’s a whole experience”
What better way to sign of Pride month than a cabaret celebration of queerness and a demonstration of Thai culture; their unique third gender of kathoey, commonly referred to as ladyboys. A fabulous rotating cast of sixteen Thai performers provide an assault on the senses in this dazzling production of lip sync, dance and pantomime.
There’s not much of a plot, save to say their latest iteration, called “Full Moon” explores the exploits of a magician called Ole (played by Decha Nunchangsing) as she performs a trick at a full moon beach party that goes awry and causes havoc for the rest of the show as the performers dance to the manifestation of pop, techno and cabaret.
It is immediately clear why this show is such a hit with hen parties and people looking for escapism and a safe space. From the opening song of millennial dance track “Shooting Star” by Flip & Fill the atmosphere is set. Gorgeous ladies in blindingly shiny futuristic costumes take over the space in every corner, down every walkway, onstage, on boxes and amongst the audience, dancing to the thumping technobeat of the 00s. The pace never really lets up from there. For the next two hours a variety of stunningly clad beauties parade around the stage and amongst the increasingly amped up audience, bringing a sense of fun, nostalgia, spectacle and genuine humour until we are all whipped up into a frenzy by the final showstopper medley of 70s and 80s anthems covered in sequins, sweat and sin.
A full throttle experience, the show bounces from songs such as HUNTR/X’s Oscar winner “Golden”, to Dreamgirls’ “One Night Only”, Alannah Myles’ “Black Velvet” and even the theme song from The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. In between the mania there are smaller, more intimate moments involving clever comedy callbacks, sweet solo acts and cute audience participation. An excellent inclusion are the three male dancers known as Oak, Boss and Arthur who were incredibly chiseled and charming, providing excellent comic timing and dance skills.
Despite the upbeat atmosphere, the show would benefit from an MC to maintain the audience’s involvement and excitement- it is clear that a language barrier may be hindering some more direct verbal connection. Likewise, the inclusion of a warm up act or some sort of pre-show would counter the initial lower energy first half. It’s not until the second act that the audience felt comfortable to get up and dance more freely and cheer on key moments. The music, so frenetic and quick changing often transitioned too quickly to the next, visibly catching some of the dancers off guard. Though the performances are choreographed well, sometimes the whole enterprise felt more like a fashion show than a musical production, with more catwalking than dancing-some fantastic voguing though from Lily (played by Jakkrit Lannok).
Ultimately, this fabulous fever dream of a show will leave you feeling so uplifted you’ll wonder what the heck has just happened. It’s such a joyful, luscious party bursting with glitz and strong characterisation. Bring your mum, your mates, your boyfriend, your girlfriend, or just yourself. This unapologetic celebration of queer culture is a riot of fun.
The Ladyboys of Bangkok plays at the purpose built Sabai Pavilion, Shepherd’s Bush Green in London until 12th July as part of its wider 2026 UK tour. Tickets are available here.