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The Lady Boys of Bangkok

 
Johanna Makelainen Review by Johanna Makelainen 3 Published: 14 May 2026 Sabai Pavilion Show Dates: 9 May 2026-31 May 2026

Full Moon arrives with moonlight in its hair, sequins on its sleeves and absolutely no interest in understatement. The Ladyboys of Bangkok’s new show promises a tropical, neon-soaked celebration of identity, glamour and liberation – and wastes little time hinting that the moon may not be in the sky. The script is spiced with comedy and self-irony to keep the glamour from taking itself too seriously.

The Ladyboys’ formula has never been about restraint; it is about commitment.

Having last seen The Ladyboys of Bangkok 10 years ago, I was pleased to see they have moved with the times. The formula is still intact: big songs, bigger costumes and an invitation to leave dignity at the door. This time, though, some of the best pay-offs are reserved for the male-presenting dancers. Beat It, You Can Leave Your Hat On and The Bad Touch are knowingly daft, tightly delivered and aimed with impressive accuracy at the show’s core crowd.

The key element of The Ladyboys has always been the labour beneath the sparkle. The make-up, costuming, bodywork and choreographic precision are engineered to look effortless. Beneath the comedy sits a clear statement of self-respect: identity is not apologised for, explained or softened.

Musically, the show is a party jukebox, where gay anthems rub shoulders with 90s hip-hop, club hits and party medleys. There is an obvious risk of overpacking the suitcase. Glamour, comedy, dance, pop hits, lunar magic, circus acts, Thai references and personal transformation all jostle for space. Then again, no one comes to see The Ladyboys for minimalist dramaturgy.

The Ladyboys’ formula has never been about restraint; it is about commitment. The show has well-developed party instincts, but no true command of the party. Audience involvement is carefully managed rather than allowed to run wild. With a skilled compère, the atmosphere could easily escalate into unforgettable excitement. Perhaps that is the next step if they are to maintain their Fringe icon status and avoid becoming a museum piece.

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The Blurb:

Fresh from winning awards at both Perth and Adelaide Fringe. Your favourite show-stopping Brighton Fringe divas, The Ladyboys of Bangkok, are back their spectacular Full Moon Tour. Get ready for an electrifying night packed with dazzling costumes, jaw-dropping choreography, and powerhouse performances that will have you laughing, cheering, and dancing in your seat. Expect chart-topping anthems, side-splitting comedy, and the unmistakable sparkle of Thailand’s most glamorous Ladyboys bringing the party to life. Whether you’re a life-long fan or joining the celebration for the first time, this is your chance to experience a show bursting with unfiltered joy, fabulousness, and unforgettable entertainment. The Boys are back in town... and the party starts here! Comedy! Cabaret! PARTY!