Upon entering the arena, you are welcomed by an usher or usherette, who shows you to your table thru a haze of smoke and disco lights. The tables are smallish and the layout is somewhat compact with 4 chairs in front and 4 behind, not an ideal layout but they have to utilise all the space they can. Trust me when I say the chairs are rock solid, bring a cushion.
So on to the show, The Ladyboys of Bangkok have returned to Brighton with a bang in 2025, bringing their signature blend of glitz, glamour, and jaw-dropping talent to the Sabai Pavilion on Victoria Gardens. This year’s show, titled “Glow Up”, is a riotous celebration of camp, colour, and culture, leaving audiences roaring with laughter and rising to their feet for standing ovations.
From the moment the curtain lifts, it’s clear this isn’t just a drag cabaret – it’s a finely tuned theatrical spectacle. Precision choreography, eye-popping costumes, and pitch-perfect lip-syncing come together with infectious energy. The performers, all Thai nationals, deliver everything from BeyoncĂ© to Bollywood, Rocky Horror’s timewarp to Cotton Eyed Joe, along with a cheeky twist of British humour threaded throughout.
The 2025 production leans heavily into audience interaction, with front-row guests becoming part of the comedy – whether they like it or not. It’s cheeky, outrageous, but never crosses the line. A particular highlight was a rendition of Tina Turner’s Simply the best, performed with such gusto that even the most stoic members of the crowd were clapping along.
This year’s show also feels more inclusive and updated, with nods to current pop culture, diverse representation, and even moments of poignancy that reflect the changing landscape of gender and performance art. It’s a reminder that behind the sparkle lies resilience, artistry, and pride.
Reviewer Score: 4.5 of 5
Reviewers Verdict: The Ladyboys of Bangkok 2025 is not just a show—it’s a celebration. If you’re in Brighton this season, skip the pubs for one night and go see what true showbiz magic looks like under the Sabai Pavilion
