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Warning: These 10 Drag Shows in Manchester Will Leave You Starstruck and Screaming for More!
Oh, how I loathe drag shows! Every time I venture out to one, my sides split with laughter, my heart fills with joy, and I find myself dancing till my feet cry mercy. It’s a tough life, really.
Before I know it, I’m belting out ballads with the best of them and snapping more photos than a tourist at Buckingham Palace! Kidding aside—I’m actually one of Manchester’s most devoted fans of the drag scene (although my wardrobe might suggest otherwise).
And while I can’t claim to own a glittery heel or know how to execute a flawless death drop, I pride myself on knowing where to find the fiercest, funniest, and most fabulous drag entertainment in town.
So, whether you’re a drag aficionado or a curious newbie, prepare to explore Manchester’s glittering drag scene with me. Here’s the lowdown on the top spots that deserve your applause, your cheers, and, yes, even your hard-earned pounds.
Tribeca
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Website: Tribeca
Address: 50 Sackville St
Contact details: +44 161 236 8300
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thur 8PM-4AM
- Fri 5PM-4AM
- Sat 12PM-4AM
- Sun 5PM-4AM
Pricing: ££ – £££
Nestled on Sackville Street, is the sort of place where you might walk in unnoticed, but by the time you leave, you’ve probably had a chat with most of the crowd, and the queens have clocked your every move. The lineup is a mix of the city’s most charismatic queens.
Even if the stage is small, the personalities that grace it are anything but. Once, I found myself glued to a show featuring a queen who worked her way through three costume changes in a single routine, all while hurling cheeky jokes at the audience.
Tribeca is perfect for a midweek pick-me-up or a wild Saturday night out, where you can have a laugh, grab a cocktail, and belt out the lyrics to a banger with everyone around you. The drinks are flowing, and the crowd is always buzzing, so you’re sure to find new mates.
| Pro tip: Ask the bartender for the ‘Queen’s Special’—it changes weekly and never disappoints. It’s like a secret handshake in drink form. |
New York New York
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Website: New York New York
Address: 94 Bloom St
Contact details: +44 161 236 6556
Operating Hours:
- Wed – Thur 4PM-4AM
- Fri – Sun 2PM-4AM
Pricing: ££ – £££
Walking into New York New York is like stepping into a party that never ends. Affectionately known as ‘The Party Palace,’ this venue is a vibrant heartthrob in Manchester’s Gay Village.
The drag shows here are legendary, dishing out everything from dazzling dance routines to side-splitting comedy sketches. Regulars swear by the Sunday shows, often claiming they’re the best cure for a Saturday night hangover.
It’s not just the shows that draw the crowds; the sense of community here is palpable. On any given night, you might find yourself roped into a dance-off or singing your heart out during a karaoke session.
| Pro tip: Sunday shows are a must-see—perfect for rounding off your weekend with a bang, or a laugh, or both! |
Centre Stage
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Website: Centre Stage
Address: 51 Bloom St
Contact details: +44 161 237 9667
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Wed 5PM-2AM
- Thur 5PM-3AM
- Fri – Sat 3PM-4AM
- Sun 3PM-2AM
Pricing: ££ – £££
At Centre Stage, every night feels like a grand production. This venue takes drag to the next level, combining stunning vocal performances with elaborate costumes that would give Broadway a run for its money.
It’s a hotspot for those who enjoy their drag with a theatrical flair—think dramatic entrances, engaging narratives, and an ambiance that transports you to another world. The performers are skilled at pulling the audience into their world, making you forget the drizzle outside.
It’s also a great place to make new mates, especially during the more interactive shows where audience participation isn’t just welcomed, it’s encouraged. Whether you’re up for a laugh, a cry, or just a good singalong, Centre Stage promises an evening you won’t soon forget.
| Pro tip: Don’t be shy—volunteering for an on-stage cameo could be the highlight of your night (and make you a legend amongst the regulars). |
The Goose
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Website: The Goose
Address: 29 Bloom St
Contact details: +44 161 228 1408
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thu 12PM-12AM
- Fri – Sat 12PM-1AM
- Sun 12PM-12AM
Pricing: ££ – £££
The Goose on Bloom Street is a snug spot that feels like your local pub but with a fabulous twist. The drag shows here are known for their heart and humour, performed by queens who pride themselves on connecting personally with their audience.
It’s not the largest venue, but the intimate setting makes for an unforgettable night where you’re not just a spectator but part of the family. Patrons often reminisce about their first visit, and before you know it, you’ll be one of the regulars, sharing stories at the bar.
The Goose embodies the spirit of Manchester’s inclusive and vibrant community, making everyone from first-timers to seasoned drag enthusiasts feel at home.
| Pro tip: Make sure to try their signature cocktail, “The Feathery Fizz,” while you enjoy the show. It’s a crowd favourite for a reason! |
Via Manchester
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Website: Via Manchester
Address: 28 Canal St
Contact details: +44 161 236 6523
Operating Hours:
- Mon 12PM-1AM
- Tue – Thur 12PM-2AM
- Fri 12PM-3AM
- Sat 12PM-4AM
- Sun 12PM-2AM
Pricing: ££ – £££
Via Manchester is a Canal Street icon, renowned for its extravagant drag shows and electric atmosphere. This venue is all about the spectacle, featuring some of the most talented and flamboyant performers in the city.
The decor is as dramatic as the performances, with plush seating and moody lighting that sets the perfect scene for a night of escapism.
Whether you’re looking for a laugh, some lip-syncing, or just a good old dance, Via has it all. It’s the kind of place where you can let your hair down, meet new people, and dance until the early hours of the morning.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss their weekend shows—they often feature special guests and are a total sell-out. Booking in advance is a wise move! |
FunnyBoyz Manchester
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Website: FunnyBoyz Manchester
Address: FunnyBoyz 94-98, Bloom Street
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Mon – Fri 2PM-2AM
Pricing: £ – ££
FunnyBoyz Manchester takes a unique spin on the traditional drag show, blending comedy, bingo, and live singing into an evening that’s packed with entertainment.
Held at various venues across the city, each event offers something different, but the laughter and quality are consistent. This isn’t just a show; it’s an interactive experience where the line between performers and the audience blurs, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.
Whether you’re bingo-ing, singing along, or just enjoying the comedy, FunnyBoyz is a must for those looking to add a bit of fun and variety to their night out.
| Pro tip: Get involved in the bingo games—they’re hilarious and you might just win something unexpected! |
Boy Toy Events Manchester
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Website: Boy Toy Events Manchester
Address: Peter Street, M2 5GP
Contact details: 07432830484
Operating Hours:
- Wed – Thur 4PM-4AM
- Fri – Sun 2PM-4AM
Pricing: £ – ££
Boy Toy Events Manchester is a wild mix of dance, cabaret, and circus, all jammed into one high-energy drag show. Held in glamorous locations across the city, each event has its own unique backdrop, which somehow makes the chaos even better.
Boy Toy nights are famous for their over-the-top performances, with acrobats, fire eaters, and drag queens and kings that know how to work a room.
I remember attending one at a chic rooftop bar where the queens strutted around, while I tried to take a sip of my drink without spilling it all over my lap. Safe to say, I was spellbound the whole time.
| Pro tip: Dress to impress—these events are not only a feast for the eyes but also a parade of fabulous outfits! |
BOUGIE DRAG EVENTS
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Website: BOUGIE DRAG EVENTS
Address: Various spots in Manchester
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Mon – Fri 2PM-2AM
Pricing: £ – ££
BOUGIE DRAG EVENTS live up to their name, offering some of the most glamorous and polished drag performances in Manchester. These events are held at upscale venues, adding an extra layer of chic to your night out.
The line-up typically features high-profile queens and newcomers alike, all bringing their best to the stage with a mix of comedy, dance, and show-stopping vocals. The atmosphere is electric, with an audience that’s ready to cheer, laugh, and sing along.
Last time I was there, the crowd went wild when a queen lip-synced flawlessly to Whitney Houston, and I found myself singing along, completely mesmerised. The comedy routine I watched nearly spitting out my drink many times!
| Pro tip: Arrive early to mingle and enjoy some pre-show cocktails—they’re as fabulous as the performances! |
Drag Comedy Cabaret: Manchester
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Website: Drag Comedy Cabaret: Manchester
Address: Various locations in Manchester
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 5PM-2AM
Pricing: £ – ££
Drag Comedy Cabaret in Manchester is where comedy meets couture in a whirlwind of sequins and laughs. The venues are cosy and intimate, making every joke and jest feel like it’s tailor-made just for you.
Trust me, there’s nothing quite like catching a queen’s sly wink as she nails a joke or quip. I once made the mistake of sitting too close to the stage, and before I knew it, I was pulled up for an impromptu lip-sync battle.
Let’s just say my “Proud Mary” routine didn’t hold a candle to the pros, but the audience was howling! Expect to get a few laughs, maybe a cheeky wig thrown your way, and possibly even be the star of the act yourself.
| Pro tip: Be ready to laugh out loud and don’t be surprised if you become part of the show—these queens love audience interaction! |
The Frockatoo Drag Brunch
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Website: The Frockatoo Drag Brunch
Address: 20 Richmond St, Manchester
Contact details: 0161 697 4483
Operating Hours: Thur – Sun 6PM-2AM
Pricing: £ – ££
The Frockatoo Drag Brunch turns a regular brunch into an extraordinary affair. Imagine tucking into your eggs Benedict or nursing a mimosa while some of Manchester’s most talented drag artists serve up a feast of entertainment.
These brunches are known for their vibrant atmosphere, where sparkling costumes and dazzling performances make your morning meal unforgettable.
Held in trendy spots across the city, each brunch offers a unique theme, from disco divas to Broadway belters, ensuring no two visits are ever the same. It’s a perfect plan for starting your weekend with a bang—or should we say, a sparkle?
| Pro tip: Book ahead and come hungry—not just for food, but for fun. These brunches are popular and always packed with surprises! |
