Join us in t'ARTopia for a queer-curated cabaret night of drag, music, poetry and more from some of our most delicious t'ARTs. We have invited some of our favourite performers to entertain you all, at a night that will be nothing short of t'ARTopian.
We will be raising money for gender affirming surgery funds with this evening's raffle, so come with a couple of quid, win art and raise money for good causes.
Let’s get mouthwatering!
Performers:
Phil from Venus - Poetry
Phil is a writer, actor and photographer. He likes to dress his rambling thoughts with flowery language, calling it poetry! When reading, the audience is urged to join in, making it a conversation where authenticity reigns - the room becomes his mind and we all reside in it, becoming his sounding board and sometimes, voice of reason.
Amy Lynne Westray - Drag
Amy Lynne Westray (they/she) is a queer theatre maker, cabaret artist & facilitator with particular love for clowning, drag, physical theatre, music & spoken word poetry.
They studied European Theatre Arts a heavily ensemble & devising based course.
Since graduating last year, they co-founded a clowning and cabaret company Curls N Swirls who took 'It takes 2 to tango' to the Harrow Arts centre as part of the Boiler festival.
They also debuted a cabaret/comedy solo show 'Crowbar Girl' at Apple cart Arts.
More recently they have been developing more cabaret and drag acts & excessively drinking tea.
Oli Isaac - Poet
Oli Isaac is a playwright and poet who likes to write tender poems about their tender thoughts.
Oli is a recipient of Audible Theatre’s Emerging Playwrights Fund and most recently they won the 2024 Verve Poetry Festival Competition.
They have previously been selected as a lead artist for the Barbican x CRIPtic showcase and the BBC’s Words First festival. They are also an alumni of Soho Theatre Writers’ Lab, Roundhouse Poetry Collective and the Apples & Snakes’ Writing Room, as well as a current member of Barbican Young Poets.
Karima Francis - Music
London-based artist Karima Francis has been captivating audiences for over a decade with their stunning and emotionally charged musical narratives. Through melancholic and enchanting songs, they skillfully navigate the intricate tapestry of human emotions, establishing a profound and enduring connection with listeners. Karima has not only mastered the art of using music as a potent medium to tell compelling stories but also excels in conveying raw, authentic emotions, fostering a deep and ongoing relationship with their audience. Channeling inspiration from luminaries like Sharon Van Etten and Cat Power, Karima Francis seamlessly blends elements of indie soul and Americana. Their velvet vocals weave through the sonic landscape, enveloping listeners in a captivating embrace that transcends the ordinary. The journey unfolds in Blackpool, where Karima sought refuge in music at the age of 17, initially through the rhythmic exploration of drumming. This early connection has blossomed into the genius musicality that defines their work today. Rooted in a tumultuous and challenging childhood, Karima's artistry draws strength from their robust working-class upbringing, infusing their creations with grit, power, undeniable passion, and a genuine care for the community. The debut album, 'The Author,' released in 2009, garnered widespread critical acclaim, setting the stage for subsequent triumphs with albums like 'The Remedy' (2012) and 'Black' (2016). These releases not only showcased Karima's artistic prowess but also marked the onset of a transformative phase in their career. From sharing stages with icons such as, Patti Smith, Stereophonics to notably supporting Paul Simon, Karima has solidified their reputation as a dynamic live performer. Collaborating with renowned producer Flood (Nine Inch Nails, Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, Depeche Mode) further elevated their musical journey. Venturing into the vibrant alternative music scene of Los Angeles, Karima found a kindred spirit in producer Tim Carr (Perfume Genius, Hand Habits). Together, they've crafted mesmerizing singles like 'Say,' 'Carelessness Causes Fire,' 'Shelf Life,' and 'Orange Rose,' providing a captivating glimpse into the evolution of Karima’s queer and cool sound. Currently immersed in creating a new record, the upcoming album features contributions from Greg Uhlman (of Fellrunner and Perfume Genius) and Harrison Whitford ( of Phoebe Bridgers band), with mastering by Grammy-nominated Phillip Shaw Bova (Andy Shauf, Father John Misty). Karima Francis continues to enchant audiences by seamlessly blending haunting melodies with honest lyrics and an alluring ambiance. Attending a Karima Francis gig is a transformative experience where music transcends mere performance, silencing crowds and leaving an indelible mark on all who bear witness to the magnetic, queer, and undeniably cool artistry of this exceptional artist. Immerse yourself in Karima's captivating world; each note is an invitation to a journey of emotions and musical brilliance, where queerness meets coolness in a harmonious celebration of authenticity.
Alexis Sakellaris - Musical Comedy
Alexis (@alexis_sakellaris) is a queer international artist who graduated from Mountview last year and hasn’t had a stable routine since. His first foray into original work, A STAN IS BORN! is a musical comedy about how he devolved into a lil gay stan obsessed with pop divas after a drastic move from NYC to rural Germany. This chaotic mess of a show is heading to several London venues and Edinburgh Fringe this summer, which is just like… wild lol.
Johnny Schlong - Drag
Adult entertainer and self-professed lothario, Johnny Schlong claims to have a massive…ego. Is bigger better? Or is there only so much one man can handle?
“Colossal prick” The Guardian
“He’s got to have a massive set of balls to pull this off” The Stage
“Putin hasn’t seen a weapon this big” The Economist
Lara Johnston - Comedy
Lara likes to create and embody strange characters and she can't wait to show you her Dick. That is, her never-before-seen character, Dick Finder: Private Transvestigator. Come along with her in this noir-tinged mystery of intrigue and transgendery.