Ahead of the KINGZ TOUR, Nicolas Hoare and Adam All speak about the need for change in the drag scene
BY NICHOLAS HOARE AND ADAM ALL
The history of Drag Kings is one of resilience, innovation, and political activism. From the Male Impersonators of the Victorian era – some of the highest-paid and most celebrated performers of their time – to the Kings shaping today’s drag scene, these artists have always been at the forefront of challenging gender norms. And yet, despite their rich legacy, Drag Kings remain marginalised within mainstream drag culture.
For over two decades, Drag King Nicolas Hoare has witnessed the UK drag scene fluctuate between progress and stagnation. “When I first stepped onto the stage, it felt like we were gaining real recognition. Kings were getting booked, audiences were excited, and drag was evolving into something truly diverse,” Hoare recalls. “But in 2024, we’ve taken a massive step backwards.”
A huge factor in this regression is the lack of mainstream representation. Shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race have defined drag for a global audience, yet they continue to exclude Drag Kings from their narrative. While competitions like King Of Drag offer some hope, they remain US-based, doing little to elevate UK Kings. Meanwhile, LGBTQIA festivals and Pride events across the country routinely fail to include Kings in their line-ups. “We bring live vocals, theatre, burlesque, comedy, rock star energy – the kind of drag that should be celebrated, not sidelined,” Hoare argues.
Adam All, a leading figure in the UK Drag King scene and co-founder of BOiBOX, highlights the historical cycles of King representation. “Drag Kings have always mirrored the gender politics of each era,” Adam explains. “From Votes for Women in the Victorian era to today’s fight for trans rights, Kings have consistently stood together to fight for equality and freedom of self-expression.”
However, deep-rooted misogyny within the drag industry continues to push Kings to the margins. “The vast majority of agents, venue owners, and Pride organisers are cisgender men,” Hoare points out. “That creates an imbalance of power. If Kings are booked, it’s often as a token gesture rather than true equal representation.”
But the Kings aren’t waiting for permission to take up space. In a groundbreaking move for UK drag, the KINGZ TOUR is set to make history as the country’s first-ever national Drag King tour. The brainchild of Ryder Allnight, the tour will showcase some of the UK’s most talented Kings, bringing their unique artistry to audiences in Birmingham (14 Feb), Manchester (15 Feb), and London (16 Feb). This tour is a bold statement: Drag Kings are here, and they are a force to be reckoned with.
The industry must take note. Venues, agents, and festival organisers need to move beyond outdated perceptions and recognise the value of Drag Kings as marketable, dynamic artists. Drag has always been about pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and making space for all expressions of gender. The question isn’t where have all the Drag Kings gone? They’ve always been here. It’s time for the industry to catch up.
Find out more about the KINGZ TOUR here: skiddle.com/g/alt-space-events-/
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