LGBTQ+ drag performers Cŵm Rag are coming home! Offering a bilingual cabaret experience, the Welsh showgirl performers have their very first homeland show in store for the Wales Millennium Centre’s new Cabaret space, celebrating leeks, folklore and Tom Jones’ pants.
What can we expect from a night out at WMC to see you?
Cŵm Rag: A mix of 21st-century queer anarchy and good old-fashioned Valleys razzle-dazzle! It’s a bilingual bonanza from us Cŵm Rag showgirlies, plus some very special guests from the Welsh Ballroom Community. It’s gonna be a show to remember, babe!
Being situated in London, what brings you back to Cardiff?
Cŵm Rag: We’ve been absolutely gagging to do our first show in Wales. It’s extra special being part of the opening season of WMC’s new cabaret space. Plus we’re all in need of some fresh air and some decent Welsh cakes!
Which three Welsh icons do you think would be the best on a night out?
Cŵm Rag: Shirley Bassey (of course), Charlotte Church and H from Steps.
Is there space within London’s cabaret and drag sphere for that Cŵm Rag Welsh style? What’s the reaction like there to you?
Cŵm Rag: Absolutely! All the Welsh queers in London come out of the woodwork for our shows like a community gathering. Like an Eisteddfod but with poppers. Our non-Welsh admirers adore the show, even if they don’t always have a clue what’s going on. It’s part of the charm.
What does it mean to you to be queer in Wales? How do you bring this to a live show?
Cŵm Rag: We’re made up of queers from across the breadth of Wales so we each bring a very different perspective to the collective. We love to play with the campery of Welsh culture (druids, hello!), whilst also incorporating some of the political radicalism that is so rich in Welsh history and culture.
Cŵm Rag: Homecoming, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Fri 17 Mar.
Tickets: £15. Info: here
words EMMA WAY