Ladyboys of Bangkok
It feels remarkable that the Ladyboys of Bangkok are only now making their London debut. After decades of entertaining audiences across the UK, most notably at the renowned Edinburgh Fringe, the world's most famous touring cabaret has finally arrived in London, bringing with it a celebration of music, spectacle and unapologetic self-expression. Having seen the show in 2015, I was left questioning how this show would work in today’s society and whether it would have the same impact. However, I’m pleased to report that this is an evening that's fun, filthy and, above all else, playful.
There isn't much in the way of a traditional narrative, but that's entirely beside the point. Instead, the show presents a whirlwind cabaret that moves at such a great pace, that the audience has rarely any time to catch their breath. Even on a Tuesday night, the audience was fully going along with it, goodness knows how it plays on a Saturday night!
The costumes are nothing short of extraordinary, constantly transforming to suit each musical era and performance style. Whether it's the glamorous Bond-girl elegance of One Night Only or the surreal sight of an Abominable Snowman stomping across the stage during Ice Ice Baby, every number feels like a visual event. Dynamic lighting complements the ever-changing spectacle, giving each performance its own distinct identity.
Musically, the setlist is as eclectic as you'd hope, jumping effortlessly between generations and genres. Taylor Swift sits comfortably alongside disco classics and club favourites, ensuring there's something for everyone. The choreography is impressively synchronized throughout, with the cast displaying remarkable precision. Where some cabarets, tend to outstay their welcome by trying to outdo their previous act, The Ladyboys of Bangkok keeps things simple and refreshingly, embraces the camp of its spectacle
Some of the evening's biggest highlights come from its eclectic and varied routines. A French prince sequence suddenly gives way to an MTV-style dance battle in a delightfully nostalgic turn, while another number resembles The Jungle Book reimagined as a strip club. I most enjoyed the audience participation sequence of Macarena, with costumed characters advancing into the audience area. Imagine Walt Disney World, directed by David Lynch: Somehow, it all works.
The recent KPop Demon Hunters segment is another standout, packing infectious energy, strong camaraderie and an empowering message that feels perfectly at home amongst the show's celebration of identity, however crucially it is never preachy
The humour is knowingly silly and is on the right side of risqué, without being uncomfortable. While there are plenty of cheeky moments—including a particularly raunchy and witty rendition of I Never Met a Girl Like You Before—the comedy leans more towards end-of-the-pier entertainment than anything truly outrageous. It's mischievous without ever feeling mean-spirited, and this is a delicate line to work, so kudos to the director.
This show was reviewed on Tuesday 30th June 2026 at The Sabai Pavilion, London where it runs until the 12th July 2026. Tickets available here: London - Ladyboys of Bangkok
Review written by Alex Farley
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Photo credit : Taken from 2025 production
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