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The Ultimate Guide to Glasgow Drag

Sickening! Let’s Get The Ultimate Guide to Glasgow Drag

Despite the limited number of LGBTQ+ venues in Scotland’s biggest city, Glasgow’s drag scene has blossomed in recent years. Thanks in part to the mainstream revival of the art-form, and of course the roaring success of RuPaul’s Drag Race, the city now has an ever-growing list of events starring talented local girls. There’s something to fit every niche interest, with nights dedicated to the experimental, the theatrical, the edgy and even family friendly afternoon shows. We’ve curated a guide to Glasgow’s regular drag events, so you can find something that suits you while supporting local queens.

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Mothertucker - Polo - every Tuesday from 20.00 - free entry

Mothertucker has a talented permanent cast made up of Lawrence Chaney, CJ Banks, Rujazzle, Axel Aurora and October Fist, and runs a themed show with guest performances every single week. Expect unique and hilarious conceptual performances, complete with a welcoming, friendly atmosphere.

SUCK! - Delmonicas - every Wednesday from 22.00 - free entry

Head to SUCK! on a Wednesday and expect to see the stars of Mothertucker plus other local queens turning out some of the fiercest lip-syncs in the game. On the first event of the month, the queens also run a SUCK! Harder special with guest performances from national and international queens.

The Drag-Opticon Show - The Panopticon - first Friday of every month from 20.00 - £6.00 for students

Dharma Gheddon and Alana Duvey took over this show last year, and it’s since been nominated for Event of the Year at the 2018 Icon Awards. Some queens sing, some queens do burlesque, some queens do comedy - this night is a true melting pot of the many forms that drag can take. The show has the additional selling point that it takes place in one of the oldest and coolest buildings in the city.

Trigger - AXM - every Thursday from 22.00 - £3 entry

Trigger’s cast includes CarrieAnn Crow, Ann Phetamine, Frans Gender and Marla Sinner, and is typically a little darker than some of the other shows on offer. The night has a cool gothic vibe to it, and has played host to some of the most subversive and thought-provoking performances across Glasgow’s drag scene.

Lacy Rain’s Intoxicating Tea Party - Polo - every few months - £5 entry

Lacy Rain is best-known as one of Glasgow’s most experimental and unique queens, providing a seemingly endless offering of hilarious and unexpected performances. Her Tea Party features a different assortment of variety acts at every gathering, so keep an eye on the event’s Facebook page for more details.

Glitter and Grind Revue - Polo - every few months - £10 entry

Variety scene legends Tom Harlow and Kim Khaos present a suitably glamorous mix of burlesque, drag and cabaret at their highly recommended event. Don your sparkliest, most fabulous get-up and enjoy some of the finest variety acts from Glasgow and beyond.

Next event: 26 October from 19.30.

Photography: Steven Peice/Unsplash

The Show Downstairs - Katie’s Bar - every Monday from 21.00 - free entry Residents Frans Gender, Ann Phetamine and Voss present a weekly selection of the best local drag the city has to offer. On Sundays, they also host a family friendly brunch event from 13.00.

Life’s A Drag - Stereo Cafe Bar - monthly show - £4 for students

This alternative night is hosted by Serpentina Medusa, Pacific, FridaTuck and Raven Redstars. Expect rock and metal inspired performances with a little horror, politics and of course some glitter thrown in. Keep an eye on the Facebook page for dates.

Bum Notes - The Flying Duck - last Friday of the month from 22.00 - free entry

A karaoke night quite like no other. Bum Notes incorporates drag and performance art into a fun and lively night of live music and sing-alongs in an atmospheric underground vegan bar and diner.

Queer Theory - Nice N Sleazy - monthly show - £5 entry

Queer Theory is not necessarily an exclusive drag event, but if you’re a fan of queer art in its various forms, this is a great show to head to. Expect performance art and poetry as well as drag. Find out when the latest shows are on their Facebook page.

Shareen Reviews baR sOBA

PAN-ASIAN DINING IS EVERYWHERE IN GLASGOW, AND BAR SOBA IS A STAPLE. OUR RESIDENT FOODIE SHAREEN KHALID HEADS OUT TO REVIEW THE POPULAR EATERY - BUT IS IT WORTH THE TRIP?

bar Soba has been a place I have heard quite a lot about, and it has always been positive. I was super excited to check it out, and I finally got the chance to at a friend’s birthday dinner. Situated on Byers Road, it looked to be promising.

A quick look on their website shows you that they describe themselves as “An award winning Cocktail Bar and Restaurant, serving the finest Pan Asian street food in Glasgow”.

We arrived on time before 7pm to be greeted by a flustered waitress who had initially took down the wrong number for our booking. We were a table of 20, after some quick apologies we managed to grasp that the room next door was now being prepared for us and we could wait until it was set.

We didn’t mind as it allowed us to look through the extensive cocktail menu and order drinks at the bar - mocktails for us. The bartender was very creative, quick and helpful to suggest what was best to substitute any alcoholic drinks with. I opted for a Strawberry Daiquiri, my favourite at £2, and it was really tasty.

We were seated after 15 minutes, and finally ordered starters. The menu on the table wasn’t priced, so you’re not sure how much each dish is. I chose the Salt and Pepper Squid - £5.50 - which was the highlight of my dinner.

It was mouthwatering! Served with red chilli, lime and basil mayo, this was cooked very well and came out piping hot. The squid tasted fresh and was a joy to eat, with the right amount of crisp to its batter. The portion was a good amount although I would have probably preferred more!

In between catering to 20 of us, our service was fast and very helpful. For mains, a few of us opted for the Chilli Chicken (£10). This was an aromatic bowl filled with chilli chicken pieces, various asian vegetables, light oyster sauce, red chilli, cashews, basil and thai jasmine rice. The portion was enough and very filling, I felt it had a slight sweet kick to it which I wasn’t expecting as the menu stated there was garlic and chilli paste mixed in. I would have preferred it to be a little spicier, but it was still delicious.

The interior of the building hinted at old Victorian, with a touch of some modern vibes. The ambience was relaxed and fun, although I did feel very cold! There was also some cool funky street art and manga on the walls of the room the bar was in.

All in all, a fab night. Excellent food, helpful friendly staff and reasonable prices means I will definitely be back to visit Bar Soba again. They have two other joints in Glasgow, on Mitchell Lane and in Merchant Square.

Shareen Khalid

Photographs: Shareen Khalid

Shareen Khalid Breaks Down the Best Spots for

Quick budget bites Near GCU, to Help You Satisfy Those Cravings During your Breaks.

Photograph: Richard Mason

1

Chunky Chicken, Sauchiehall Street - great piri piri burgers, wraps and salads at bargain prices.

2

Di Maggios, St Enoch Centre - freshly cooked Italian foods offered as part of affordable lunch-time meal deals.

3

Street-food hub, Buchanan Galleries - a variety of local and independent street-food stalls await you on the second fl oor.

4

BRGR, Royal Exchange Square - Scottish chain serving burgers from just £4, with some tasty veggie options thrown in.

5

Barburrito, Queen Street - Quick Mexican bites made how you want them. Tastes even better with their student discount card.

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