The Lady Boys of Bangkok: Full Moon, Sabai Pavilion, Shepherd’s Bush

⭐⭐⭐ and a half

I’ll admit it: I went into The Lady Boys of Bangkok: Full Moon expecting a glamorous cabaret spectacular, a lot of sequins, some pop songs and perhaps a little bit of cheeky audience participation. What I wasn’t expecting was a storyline.

Apparently there is one.

Or at least there’s meant to be. Something around the Full Moon Festival but involving a magician, an illusion gone wrong and a thread that runs through the evening. To be honest, I didn’t really follow it. The only thing that stuck was the recurring appearance of a poor woman who seemed to spend most of the show being bundled into a sack and then popping up elsewhere. It felt as though this was intended to tie everything together, but for me the running gag never quite landed. After the third or fourth appearance, it became more of a curiosity than a comedy highlight.

That said, if you’re coming to The Lady Boys of Bangkok for the plot, you’re probably missing the point.

The real attraction is the sheer spectacle of it all. The costumes are absolutely fantastic. There were so many costume changes I lost count before the interval. One minute we were in shimmering showgirl territory, the next we were somewhere between a Las Vegas revue and a pop concert. Feathers, rhinestones, sequins, glitter and enough sparkle to be visible from the moon itself. The cast looked immaculate throughout and somehow managed to keep the energy levels soaring despite the relentless pace. They performed on stage and came into the audience and even above us.

The male dancers deserve a mention too. They were terrific; athletic, charismatic and completely committed to every number. Whether leading the choreography or providing eye candy for the audience, they matched the glamour of the main performers beat for beat.

What I enjoyed most was the dancing and the unapologetic glamour. This is a show that knows exactly how to put on a spectacle. The music comes thick and fast, the choreography rarely stops and the audience are encouraged to join in the fun. It is impossible not to admire the professionalism of the performers.

There were moments, however, when it tipped too far into pantomime territory. The oversized animals and creature costumes felt slightly out of place and rather dated. Instead of adding to the fantasy of the evening, they reminded me of an old seaside end-of-pier show. In truth, "end of pier" is probably the phrase that kept returning to me throughout the night. Not necessarily as an insult—after all, end-of-pier entertainment has always been about escapism and fun—but it does feel rooted in an older style of variety performance.

And that led me to wondering about the concept itself. Is The Lady Boys of Bangkok now a little dated? Is it still an acceptable framing of gender identity and performance, or does it belong to a different era? I genuinely don't know the answer. Perhaps for some it's a celebration of self-expression and individuality. For others, it may feel like a throwback. I suspect opinions will vary widely.

Ironically, the show's most powerful moment came with This Is Me, a song about identity, acceptance and being true to yourself. For me, it should have been the finale. It provided an emotional lift and a sense of purpose that the show never quite surpassed afterwards.

Overall, this is a fun night out packed with sparkle, spectacle and plenty of laughs, even if some of those laughs miss the target. If you're looking for a sophisticated piece of theatre, this isn't it. But if you're after a lively evening with a group of friends, a few drinks and a healthy dose of camp glamour, you'll probably leave with a smile on your face. Sometimes that's enough.

Who can resist being a Party Queen? Not us!

Dates: 27 June – 12 July 2026

Venue: Sabai Pavilion, Shepherd’s Bush Green, London W12 8QE

Tickets: from £30 (booking fee applies) The Ladyboys of Bangkok - Cabaret Shows & Hen Parties UK

Box Office: 07479 236252

Please note: tickets are not available online two hours before the start of each performance but may still be purchased from the on-site box office.

About The Ladyboys of Bangkok

The Lady Boys of Bangkok premiered in 1998 and has since become one of the UK’s longest-running touring cabaret shows. The production blends theatrical spectacle, pop music and cabaret performance inspired by Thailand’s famous ladyboy cabaret culture. The Sabai Pavilion is a purpose-built touring venue designed to recreate the atmosphere of a Bangkok cabaret club.