Sydney’s Drag King Scene Is Growing. Come See It Live.

There’s something electric about watching someone step into a version of themselves they’ve never let out in public before.

Maybe it’s the swagger. The camp. The cheeky pelvic thrust that says yes, I know exactly who I am right now.

Maybe it’s the DIY moustache, the low-slung pants, or the power stance that makes space for all the parts of masculinity that don’t usually get celebrated.

But the real magic?

It’s when a Drag King takes the stage and you can feel the crowd lift them up — with hoots, hollers, and whole-body joy.

It’s gender freedom with glitter on it. And it’s happening right now in Sydney.

From Zero to Stage-Ready in 5 Weeks

Our Kings of Joy Gold Stars program takes queer and gender-diverse people from “I’ve never performed before” to a group Drag King performance in five weeks.

They come in with nerves and curiosity. They leave with a Drag King persona, newfound confidence, and a whole crew behind them.

This season’s Gold Stars have poured themselves into choreography, makeup, backstory, costume, and performance — all while uplifting one another and learning how to shine in their own way.

And now?

They’re ready to debut.

Introducing the Newest Kings of Joy (L to R)

👑 Tam Bam Thank You Man (He/Him)

Tam Bam Thank You Man (he/him) was the lead singer in a garage punk band but was kicked out for being too rowdy on stage- he refused to stop stripping down to his jocks. After his forced removal from the band he pursued stripping. He insists pole dancing is a masculine pursuit- “do you know how much core and upper body strength you need?!”.  He enjoys the nightlife scene where he can let his slutty and unruly side out. He loves low waisted pants, cropped tops or better yet no top at all.  He’s bisexual and rolls his own cigarettes.  

Archetype: The Rebel

👑 Loki Lewks (He/Him/They/Them)

After being banished from Asgard, Loki has come to earth with glorious purpose - to disrupt the status quo and have a bloody good time doing it. He has a passion for performing, both dressing up and down ;) He thinks the gods take themselves far too seriously and he is totally at peace with being seen as a clown in their eyes. He is a big believer in found family and a proud cat dad to a stray he found at a forest rave in Oslo. He enjoys travelling the universe and loves to spend the night with a dominant woman.

Archetype: The Futurist

👑 Captain V Cockovich (He/Him)

The captain likes to think he's THE MAN. He's got it all - swagger, sauce and sparkly shoes.

After escaping from the bears of Russia, he's been known as the captain, but secretly (or not so secretly), he's always dreamt of a life of stardom. You'll find him in the smokers area, yapping your ear off with tales from his “past”.

No one knows if he was really in the circus or a figure skater, but these days he's a hard to miss regular at the late night karaoke club, dazzling the stage. At the bar, he'll be drinking his shots of vodka in a martini glass. While his bushy moustache doesn't show it, he's a softie with a broken heart.

Archetype: The Pop Prince meets The Lover

These are emerging Drag Kings who’ve dared to step into the spotlight on their own terms—bringing with them raw presence, untamed creativity, and a reclamation of power that’s deeply personal.

Come See Them Live at Queers of Joy

Their debut performance will be at Queers of Joy, a regular showcase celebrating trans and gender-diverse artists in all their brilliance.

It’s loud.

It’s queer.

It’s family.

And it’s where Kings of Joy are born.

🗓️ Thursday 2 October

🕖 7pm

📍 The Red Rattler, Marrickville

Book now

Expect choreography, gender-bending brilliance, and some very enthusiastic crowd participation. (Yes, that includes you.)

Curious About Becoming a Drag King?

If you’ve been watching from the sidelines, wondering could I do that? — the answer is yes.

Kings of Joy Gold Stars is our entry-level Drag King experience. No makeup skills, no dance training, no stage history required. Just curiosity, queerness, and a willingness to give it a go.

I’ve now coached over 140 first-time Drag Kings through their debut performance. You could be next.

You can read more about the program here or just come to the show and feel it for yourself.

Xx

Danica Lani

The King Coach

P.S. Not in Sydney?

I see you.

Kings of Joy is growing — and we’re building something global.

If you’re a Drag King in the making (or King-curious), get in the loop as we create our first-ever online experience.

Be the first to know when doors open

Hello handsome, 🌈 I'm Danica Lani, also known as The King Coach. I'm here to empower you in your exploration of gender, sexuality, and performance. I have proudly mentored and choreographed 144 first-time Drag Kings since December 2020. Welcome to the joyous community of Kings of Joy, where we uplift and celebrate each other every step of the way! 🎉🤩 Let's embark on this Drag King journey together! 🤗💖 #KingsOfJoy