Back to the 90’s with A Reyt Queer Do!

Drag king Lionel Bitchie raises one eyebrow as he poses for the camera

We started Autumn in full celebration mode with the return of A Reyt Queer Do, with a sold out ‘Back to the 90’s’ edition at Sheffield gig and nightlife venue, Sidney and Matilda.

This queer cabaret and party is all about platforming fresh queer, Northern artists, sharing whatever performance style they like in front of our supportive and welcoming community. 

Bipolar Abdul and BSL interpreter Becky Mayo onstage
Bipolar Abdul. A Reyt Queer Do (2024). Credit – Emma Bentley Fox

On 22nd September we were joined by drag king Lionel Bitchie, comedian Stevie Yardy, singer-songwriter Jay Womack, drag king Mr Brake Down, and burlesque artist Spyhnxie, with the early evening event hosted by drag artist Bipolar Abdul. It was an eclectic and fun line up that didn’t disappoint, with our audience enjoying these talented acts. They took us from plenty of laughs to more poignant moments. Our BSL interpreter, Becky Mayo was a superb asset to the show!

Burlesque artist Sphynxie holds an umbrella high onstage while she performs
Sphynxie. A Reyt Queer Do (2024). Credit – Emma Bentley Fox

Alongside the queer performance we made space for a craft table in the courtyard of Sidney and Matilda and many enjoyed the chance to draw, clay model and share their thoughts. 

Our usual vegan cake (from Little Town Pantry) was a tasty Sunday afternoon treat and the raffle helped us raise vital funds for our Pay it Forward Ticket fund. 10 members of Lesbian Asylum Support Sheffield were able to attend this event thanks to past support of this scheme.

Three people craft with modelling clay at a table in a brightly painted courtyard
Crafting at A Reyt Queer Do (2024). Credit – Emma Bentley Fox

Thanks to everyone who joined us for this special event, creating such a supportive atmosphere for our artists to share their work. Also huge thanks to the team at Sidney and Matilda and our team and volunteers for producing an event so many enjoyed. As one audience member said; 

‘That was fun, inclusive, welcoming and joyful’

Audience member, A Reyt Queer Do 7

We never rest on our laurels at Andro and Eve, and are aware that stage height and seating options need to be adjusted for future editions of this event. We’re working on this and say thank you to those who highlighted this issue. As a small project-based arts organisation, operating in a city with limited venue options, finding accessible venues has always been a challenge, but we’re always trying to improve the ways our community experience our events and workshops.

Jay Womack sings while playing keyboard onstage
Jay Womack. A Reyt Queer Do (2024). Credit – Emma Bentley Fox

If you want to support our work, a one off or ongoing donation is so helpful – helping us secure grant funding to ensure our events are accessible as possible. You can donate via our website at the top of this page or Kofi. 

Our next A Reyt Queer Do is on 14 December. 60% of tickets have already sold, so don’t hang about if you’d like to join us for this Camp as Christmas edition hosted by cabaret star Rhys Pieces! 

And if you can’t wait until then for a dose of queer culture, why not come along to our Feeling Fabulous Queer Dance workshops with Ghetto Fabulous? We’ll get you moving and boost your mood this winter! 

Four people hold their crafted sculptures seated at a table and smile
Crafting at A Reyt Queer Do (2024). Credit – Emma Bentley Fox
Drag king Mr Brake Down performs gestures with his hands onstage with Becky Mayo signing
Mr Brake Down. A Reyt Queer Do (2024). Credit – Emma Bentley Fox
Three white people smile and pose wearing gothic outfits
A Reyt Queer Do (2024). Credit – Emma Bentley Fox
Drag artist Bipolar Abdul speaks to a group of audience members onstage
A Reyt Queer Do (2024). Credit – Emma Bentley Fox
Crowd of people in a bar facing a stage
A Reyt Queer Do (2024). Credit – Emma Bentley Fox
Comedian Stevie Yardy performs her comedy onstage
Stevie Yardy. A Reyt Queer Do (2024). Credit – Emma Bentley Fox

Drag King Open Mic Slots available!

We’re excited to announce that we have drag king open mic slots available!!

We’re planning our next A REYT QUEER DO, and there are a few drag king open mic slots available. These are for brand new drag kings or newbie kings who want more performance experience. It is not a paid opportunity though we can help out with some travel expenses and we always provide food and drink for our performers. You’ll also get a set of photos of your performance taken by our professional photographer and free entry and probably* free cake at our big queer party. Priority for slots will go to Kings based outside of London but all applications welcome! To apply, you need to be available on Saturday 12 May and be able to perform one 3 – 5 minute drag act. Head to our website and fill in our contact form with the title ‘drag king open mic’. Please give us:

  • Your drag king name
  • Where you are based
  • Any links to your drag king’s social media (this is not essential, just helpful).
  • A rough idea of what your act involves. Singing? Clowing? Dancing? Stand up?

Deadline to apply is 6pm on Monday 2 April! We look forward to hearing from you!

For more information on how we programme artists and content for our events, please head to the ‘How we Programme’ section of our website.

Andro and Eve x

*home baked cakes are an essential part of Andro and Eve events…

Drag King Romeo De La Cruz. Ndrika
Romeo De La Cruz at The Kingdom Come #2

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