They Will Be Kings is Back – Mardi Gras 2026
Dec 04, 2025If you missed out last time, now's your chance. And if you caught it the first time? Trust me- you're going to want to come back.
After selling out at Mardi Gras 2025, THEY WILL BE KINGS returns for an extended two-week season in 2026 at Qtopia's Loading Dock Theatre.
✨ 11 Feb – 21 Feb 2026 ✨
This bold collaboration between WEREWOLF Productions (led by theatre-maker Kaz Therese) and Kings of Joy (founded by yours truly, Danica Lani, The King Coach) was co-created with the cast - exploring the politics of joy, power, and what it means to claim masculine space on our own terms.
Through Drag Kinging, contemporary dance, text, and transformation, we unpack gender tropes through the lived experiences of trans masc, non-binary, and lesbian Drag Kings.
This isn't your average night at the theatre. It's rebellion and artistry. Movement and queerness. Celebration and confrontation - fused together in a genre-busting, heart-expanding ride.
Expect a show that makes the invisible visible. A show that shifts the conversation around masculinity and queer identity. A show that takes up space unapologetically.
Whether you're a Drag King enthusiast, a baby King in the making, or just curious about what all the fuss is about - this is the show to see.
👑 JOIN THE REVOLUTION. CELEBRATE THE KINGS. 👑
📍 Qtopia - The Loading Dock Theatre
📅 Wed 11 Feb - Sat 21 Feb 2026
⏰ 7:00 PM - 8:20 PM nightly
🎟️ [Book now] - this will sell out.
Starring:
Danica Lani, The King Coach aka Dario di Bello
Chris McAllister, The Trans Comedian aka Chase Cocks
Becks Blake aka Jim Junkie
Angel Tan aka Fine China
Key Events:
- Preview Night: Wed 11 Feb – $35
- Opening Night: Thurs 12 Feb
- Artist Talk: Fri 13 Feb (post-show)
- King for a Day Workshop: Sat 21 Feb, 1-4pm
Tickets:
Preview $35 | Concession $38 | General Admission $48
🔗 Book at Qtopia
What people said about the 2025 season:
"Wonderful and life-affirming… a magical celebration of life's richness."
- Paul Gilchrist, Theatre Reds
"Strength and queer pride… a roar of pure masculinity."
- Jessica Hromas, The Guardian
"The lack of mainstream visibility for Kings makes what they've created even more precious."
- Lydia Jupp, Sydney Star Observer
This is the Drag King uprising. Don't miss it.
Xx
Danica Lani
The King Coach
About Danica Lani, The King Coach
Hey you 👋 I’m Danica Lani—also known as The King Coach. I’ve mentored 150 first-time Drag Kings since 2020, and I’m here to say: if you’re feeling the pull to explore gender through performance, you’re not alone—and you’re not too late.
Whether you’re new to this world or quietly dreaming of stepping into your masculine side on stage, there’s space for you here.
✨ Ready to name your King? Download Step Into Your King—a free guide to choosing your Drag King name.
💫 Want to see what’s possible? Explore Kings of Joy and discover the queer community bringing masculine expression to life with joy, power, and heart.
📸 Tanja Bruckner
