𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐀𝐃𝐘𝐁𝐎𝐘𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐊𝐎𝐊
Adelaide Fringe 2026
The Roundhouse, The Garden of Earthly Delights
5 March, 2026

Drag is a timeless artform and it has been around for millennia. In Australia it is particularly prevalent from Dame Edna to Les Girls to the local cross-dresser down the street. Australians have always held a great affection for a man in a frock. It is indeed a curious mania. Over the years we have been spoilt for choice with so many wonderful performances and characters. Therefore, it was indeed a treat to be entertained by The Ladyboys of Bangkok and to experience a different drag spectacular, Thai-style.

From the opening bars of the anthem ‘I am what I am’, this show got off to a rollicking start with the audience treated to a roller-coaster ride of pop songs spanning over half a century. The show was extremely well executed, expertly danced and mimed, with the soundtrack having been spliced together skilfully, with a few surprises, accompanied by effective lighting which enhanced the high jinks on stage.

Seven ensemble girls, two male dancers and the queen of comedy and raunchiness, Ole, welcomed us to the ‘Land of Smiles’ and the performers did not stop smiling. Neither did the audience who played along, clapped, danced., screeched and participated. Young men in certain rows were targeted and toyed with on stage, treated like mere playthings, joining in the spirit of the moment, taking it in their stride, as they were bombarded with simulated sex acts, all tongue-in-cheek of course! Mercifully it was never allowed to get too vulgar.

The show employs much Oriental beauty, slick costume changes, with Velcro much in evidence, a smoke machine, colour, movement and high energy, all slick and precise with many pleasing old song favourites to jolly us along.

It was all fun stuff! What a hoot!
     
Eugene Ragghianti - All About Entertainment Reviewer