Glamorous Vegas showgirls, sequin-encrusted disco suits, psychedelic lycra and ten of the most beautiful women, who just happen to be men – it can only be the Lady Boys of Bangkok.
As someone who has always been curious about the Thai gender phenomenon, I was excitingly anticipating a flamboyant feast, and the show held in the exotic Sabai Pavilion certainly does not disappoint.
The popular gender-bending show has become a regular feature in Manchester and its testament is the audience who flock back year after year to enjoy an evening of cabaret, humour, glitz and glamour.
The show kicks off in fabulous style with the troupe bursting through the curtains scantily clad displaying enviable figures and immaculate make-up banging on make-shift drums.
Not surprisingly, the real question people want to ask is can you tell these women are in fact men?
While it may seem crude though I’m sure I was not the only one, admittedly I found my eyes wandering south to ‘check out their bits’ to answer the age-old question.
They are entirely convincing as women – it’s fair to say that if you did not know they were lady boys you would never question their gender.
The show includes chart hits from Cheryl Cole, Psy and Nicki Minaj as well as a colourful trip back in time to the disco-era with Saturday Night Fever.
For me the line-up is the perfect combination of fast temp, upbeat dance routines and emotive power ballads peppered with moments of comedy.
Hilarity ensued when the performers preyed on unsuspecting males in the audience and dragging them on stage as part of the act.
Many were silently praying they were not picked to join the fun but those that did stepped up the plate enjoying a dance – with one over-confident fellow being thrown to the floor and sat on and grinded.
All of the performers shine, exuding a confidence and enthusiasm which is highly infectious – it’s clear that they love what they do which further adds to the enjoyment.
While the lip-synching could be better, it can be forgiven bearing in mind these girls do not speak English and their passion more than makes up for it.
Every transition between acts was seamless, despite numerous costume changes, making their athletic stamina even more breath-taking.
While the British summer is yet to make a long-term appearance undoubtedly one of the most bizarre performances was a Christmas-themed performance complete with Christmas trees and Father Christmas.
Oddly the audience lapped it up and despite the sunshine the winter-themed performance excelled and did not seem out of place.
The fabulous lady boys were joined on stage by six male Thai performers who added spice and excitement to every number.
In fact it was surprising how much the male performers contributed to the show and they certainly didn’t disappoint!
The audience went wild for the boys dressed in naval officer costumes performing a cheeky strip-tease to You Can Leave Your Hat On – with only a hat remaining to preserve their dignity.
Audience participation is obviously high on the agenda with the performers starting a conga line pulling in members of the audience during Is this the way to Amarillo?
The highlight of the show was the group’s tantalising Vegas-style performance of Give Me Everything by Pitbull and Ne-Yo.
Shimmering in glitter, sequins and spectacular feather headdresses the lady boys paraded around the stage while the audience were on their feet clapping and dancing.
The finale was an emotional tribute to Whitney Houston, with an impressive performance starring lady boy Jacqueline, you can read MM’s exclusive interview with her here.
The audience’s rapturous standing ovation was a clear sign of how amazing the show really is – in fact they enjoyed it so much they requested an encore – and the lady boys didn’t disappoint.
Streaming back on to the stage they launched into an energetic performance of It’s Raining Men which had the audience on their feet within seconds.
The show attracted a number of celebrities, including cast-members from hit Channel Four television series, Shameless.
MM spoke to Alice Barry best-known for playing brothel Madame, Lillian Tyler, and Manchester’s own Kira Martin who plays Letitia Powell.
Kira, who grew up in Longsight, said: “It’s amazing! I’ve been three times before. You would never know that they are men – they are absolutely stunning.”
Alice also enjoyed the show and was particularly delighted to be invited to dance on stage with the Lady Boys during a rendition of YMCA.
She said: “I’ve never been to a show before but I absolutely love it! I wish that I could look as good as all of them.”
To truly experience the magic and get an insight into these exotic Thai Queens and their culture the show is well worth watching – but beware it’s not for the faint-hearted!
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