Rating: ★★★★
Venue: Proud Cabaret
Cast: REIx, Talisman Gabriel, Moira Less, Shar Cooterie, Rudy JeeVanJee and Thomas Brackley
Introducing an all-new, show-stopping drag brunch spectacular that sees fabulous songs from the movies. Join our pride every Saturday for 3 hours of endlessly fun antics including camp renditions of your favourite songs, stunning burlesque, flamboyant drag acts, singalongs and lots more!
If you've been following my reviews for a while, you'll know that I'm a huge fan of Proud; in particular their Embankment venue. I've been to most of their shows in the past year, but I was yet to try one of their bottomless brunches. A drag bottomless brunch? You can count me in!
Having not been to a brunch (or a drag show), I was unsure what to expect. But it was even more wonderfully queer than I could have imagined. The show was loosely based around The Lion King (I do mean loosely), but it was filled with Disney and musical theatre hits; which naturally was a treat for this Disney and musicals lover!
Our warm up act was the wonderful Moira Less, who had the voice of an angel. With hits like "The Power of Love", "Believe" and "Dancing Queen"; we were spoilt with so many well-loved classics, that were belted out phenomenally.
Our host of the afternoon was the sensational Shar Cooterie who captivated the audience with ease. He was ridiculously funny, and also wow'ed with hits, such as "Wonderwall" and "Since You've Been Gone". If you're looking for a show filled with iconic numbers, sung by a bunch of Queens, look no further.
As well as singing, we had gorgeous burlesque from both REIx and Rudy JeeVanJee. Rudy's version of The Circle of Life was absolutely stunning, and had the audience roaring (excuse the pun!) with applause. And special mentions must also go to Talisman Gabriel who did an exquisite dance to Trust in Me from The Jungle Book...with an actual snake (!) and Thomas Brackley who showed us the very definition of twerking.
As a gluten free diner, I'm always nervous eating out, but Proud Cabaret never disappoint. I had roasted falafel, red pepper houmous and fries for my main, and chocolate brownie for dessert; both of which were incredible. The bottomless brunch part of the afternoon starts at 12pm and lasts for an hour - we managed two bottles of prosecco between the two of us in that time; and they were brilliant at keeping our drinks refilled.
As VIPs, we were also able to have photo opportunities with the cast after the show had finished, which I thought was a great touch, and made the experience feel even more special.
This is perhaps my 6th visit to Proud Embankment and I'm yet to feel any kind of disappointment. I would have loved to see a little more burlesque, but it is advertised as a drag brunch, rather than a cabaret show.
Whether you're looking for an evening out with your friends, family, or even work colleagues - there's something at Proud for everyone. Whether it's a brunch, an evening cabaret show or their after dark celebrations, it's amazing there and I always have the best time. Roll on April when Dirty Dancer opens!
You can buy tickets to Jungle Queen brunch, as well as all of Proud's other shows, here
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