A Storm of Sequins: Relish a cabaret of ladyboy delights

When my boyfriend proposed date night at a ladyboy cabaret, I was skeptical. I imagined either wincing through a sordid erotic show or golf-clapping through hackneyed theatrics. Fortunately I was also intrigued. So, ever curious for a new Bangkok experience, off to the ladyboy cabaret I went.

Stepping into the Asia Hotel at Ratchathewi felt like stepping into another era. Elvis crooning “I caaaan’t help falling in loooove with youuuu” echoed through the dingy, tourist-clogged lobby. But once past the hordes a very surreal world awaited; one shimmering with spectacle and sequins galore.

Far from the raunchy and randy, downmarket offerings of sois Nana and Silom, this show conjures an intimate and nostalgic charm which is part Weimar, part Vegas and thoroughly Thai. Once inside the Playhouse Cabaret Theater, patrons sit in semi-circular rows at private tables or at long, candle-lit bars. Large, colorful Kandinsky prints hang to both sides of the stage. Servers hover throughout the show to keep the drinks flowing.

And the spectacle begins.

A Storm of Sequins: Relish a cabaret of ladyboy delights

The show opened quietly with a dancer in white-sequined spandex pirouetting across the stage to “Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. From there, the theater burst into a shiny, nonstop production of sparkling costumes, intricate choreography and elaborate sets. Dancers moved with ease between contemporary numbers and showtune classics, shimmying down the aisles in shiny gold dresses for Christina Aguilera’s “Burlesque,” moonwalking to Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” and doing the “Cell Block Tango” from Chicago. They even careened from Dolly Parton and a mash-up of Rihanna’s “Umbrella” with “Singing in the Rain,” to a sweet rendition of “Mr. Bo Jangles.” For the grand finale, dancers emerged from a giant sphere to break into Psy’s “Gangnam Style.” (Don’t cringe, the production entertained enough to forgive its expired-meme source material.)

All the songs are lip-synched, but that doesn’t detract from the talent on display. The entire cast, which features some absolutely stunning ladyboys, shined as dancers and performers. Rather than a sexed-up drag show, this cabaret is a visually enchanting, polished performance by professional entertainers. Being Thai, it doesn’t fail to deliver some cheeky humor or take itself too seriously.

All in all, it was an impressive show and fun way to spend a Friday night.

Beware: As you exit the theater, ladyboys will pull you over to pose for a photograph with them, then demand some payment in return. While they are a bit pushy, the photo op is priceless, so consider shelling out some baht.

There are two one-hour, 15-minute performances every night starting at 8:15pm and 9:45pm. Tickets are THB1,200 – or THB1,800 with dinner – and can be booked online or purchased at the box office. Each ticket includes one drink.

 A Storm of Sequins: Relish a cabaret of ladyboy delights

A Storm of Sequins: Relish a cabaret of ladyboy delights

A Storm of Sequins: Relish a cabaret of ladyboy delights

A Storm of Sequins: Relish a cabaret of ladyboy delights

A Storm of Sequins: Relish a cabaret of ladyboy delights

A Storm of Sequins: Relish a cabaret of ladyboy delights

A Storm of Sequins: Relish a cabaret of ladyboy delights

A Storm of Sequins: Relish a cabaret of ladyboy delights

A Storm of Sequins: Relish a cabaret of ladyboy delights

A Storm of Sequins: Relish a cabaret of ladyboy delights

A Storm of Sequins: Relish a cabaret of ladyboy delights

Photos: Alexander Hotz

FIND IT:

Asia Hotel Bangkok

296 Phayathai Road

Bangkok 10400

BTS: Ratchathewi



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