The Drag Show

A groundbreaking new exhibition including costumes from Lily Savage, Danny La Rue, Tia Kofi and many more! The first museum exhibition of its kind, ‘The Drag Show’ celebrates the art of drag in all its forms.

From glamour queens to panto dames, comedy kings to avant-garde club kids, drag performance has long been a form of entertainment, spectacle and a boundary pushing, cultural contribution. This vibrant exhibition will showcase the history of drag, explore its traditional associated iconic spaces, stages, places and performances and celebrate the skills behind the artform.

An exploration of the transformative nature of drag, the show will run for a year alongside a full programme of events including live performance and workshops. ‘The Drag Show’ has been curated in collaboration with the Centre for Fashion Curation at London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London and developed in consultation with a steering group comprising representatives from the Essex Drag scene.

Southend Museums are grateful to the Arts and Humanities Research Council for their support in the development of the exhibition and to our exhibition sponsorship partner, First Bus Essex.