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Drag Kings performing on stage, queer performance art, Kings of Joy community, LGBTQIA+ pride event, gender expression through drag, Sydney drag show

Why Drag Kingdom Is the Most Loved Drag King Show in the World

drag king culture Jun 05, 2025

Thursday 12th June marks the much-anticipated Pride Month show for Drag Kingdom, the biannual reunion of Kings of Joy and the largest ongoing Drag King showcase on earth.

If you’re seeking an unforgettable night of drag, celebration, and connection, book your seat at Drag Kingdom now.

This isn’t just a performance – it’s a gathering of community, talent, and joy that celebrates the art of Drag Kinging, with participants ranging from emerging to established Kings. With each show, Drag Kingdom reaffirms its place as a groundbreaking space for self-expression, growth, and sheer entertainment. If you’re seeking an unforgettable night of drag, celebration, and connection—this is the event you don’t want to miss.

Created by The King Coach, Danica Lani, Drag Kingdom is a transformative platform for queer performers exploring masculinity through drag. With roots in Sydney, Australia, it’s become a home for hundreds of Kings over the years—a space where people are seen, celebrated, and uplifted.

At our last show in November 2024, we saw incredible acts, powerful transformations, and a crowd buzzing with pride. But don’t just take our word for it—here’s what some of our Kings have to say.

Release the Joy – The Drag Kingdom Experience

A Night Like No Other

For many, Drag Kingdom is more than just a performance—it’s the highlight of their year.

🎥 Keito aka Cherry Packer

“It’s just really sweet and like a family.” 

“I’m Keito (he/him), and my Drag name is Cherry Packer—the best cherry packer on his cherry farm back in Orange. But as a trans guy, he felt he was lacking in the packing area, so he ordered the biggest packer he could find online. Let’s just say… things didn’t quite work out in the packing shed, and he ended up back in Sydney, where he and his packer could finally thrive. 

I love this community. It’s chill, diverse, and feels like everything’s okay. I really wanted to try performing solo and also again with my original Kings of Joy team. It’s fun—and it’s for a good cause. In drag, I get to be a cowboy—ironically, because my family actually does live on a farm.”

Sound like your kind of night? Grab your spot for Drag Kingdom here.

Reclaiming Cultural Identity

🎥 Sneha aka Aashiq Singh

“It’s freeing to think beyond the gender binary.”

“I’m Sneha (she/her), and my Drag name is Aashiq Singh. ‘Aashiq’ means lover in Hindi. Through my Drag persona, I honour my Punjabi lineage. Performing to Jalebi Baby, a South Asian song, unlocked something deep within me.

Kings of Joy feels wholesome, joyful, and so fun. It’s freeing to see yourself as a person beyond gender. On stage, we create queer joy. It’s about unleashing who you really are.”

Representation and Drag Violin

🎥 Angel aka Fine China

“This space is warm, loving, and so POC-friendly.” 

“I’m Angel (they/them), and my Drag name is Fine China (he/him). I stumbled into a Kings of Joy show, saw the QR code, and just went for it.

This community is full of the warmest people. You get to explore masculinity however you like—no judgement. I’m not the strongest dancer or lip-syncer, but I know how to play the violin. So I combined my passions and became a Drag King violinist.

I want to represent cultures that are often missing from queer spaces. If I can inspire another POC Drag King or creative by being on stage, I’ve done my job. If you’re thinking of trying Drag Kinging—just do it.”

Transformation and Visibility

🎥 Mary aka Craig Beats & Nikki aka Dommy D

“We can transform ourselves. And feel seen.” 

Nikki (she/he/they): “I came to watch a Kings of Joy show and was so flabbergasted, I signed up on the spot. I’d never felt seen before—not in my home country, not in my culture. But Kings of Joy changed that. I lost my confidence for a while, and this helped me get it back.”

Mary (she/her): “Before the makeup, I’m Mary. After, I’m Craig Beats. I saw Nikki perform and thought, ’That could be me.’ My friends thought we were too feminine. But drag is transformation. Now I’m onstage dancing—and I didn’t think I could do that!”

“We love Danica. She creates a safe space where we can express who we are, where we’re from, and feel proud of it.”

 

It’s More Than a Show. It’s a Movement.

Drag Kingdom offers a space where people from all walks of life can express themselves, be witnessed, and grow. Whether you’re stepping onstage or cheering from the crowd, you’re part of something powerful.

👑 Join Us:

Be part of the joy—get your Drag Kingdom ticket and support queer artistry on Thurs 12 June.

  • Thursday 12th June @ The Red Rattler Theatre, Sydney, Australia

  • Experience 40 Drag Kings, unforgettable routines, and a night of celebration, courage, and queer joy.

  • Follow @kings.of.joy for updates, behind-the-scenes, and more stories.

Let this be your invitation.

Come for the drag. Stay for the joy.

Xx

Danica Lani

The King Coach

Reserve your ticket now and celebrate queer joy with us.

 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 138 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