New queer cabaret event coming to Queenshilling

A new night of cabaret, drag, burlesque and vaudeville is coming to Queenshilling.

The inaugural Cannonball Cabaret, so named because it’s “entertainment so good it will blow you away”, is being organised and hosted by Dis Charge, a drag performer who has been producing queer events in Bristol for over a decade.

“The whole thing about cabaret and burlesque and drag is that we go on a journey together”, says Dis.

“When we go into a cabaret, we see lots of different styles, different nuances, we see different perspectives, we hear different stories, it’s a visual storytelling medium as much as anything else.”

The event on June 24, which is set to be the first of a monthly series, will feature performances from Neo-Burlesque performer Jada Love, drag from Carmen Monoxide, and dancer and boylesque performer Romeo De La Cruz, as well as DJ sets from Punka’s Stu.

“I’ve worked with Jada and Carmen for a good few years now. And they just know how to bring it. You know, this is a series of performers who are masters of their craft, you know, whether they be stripping, singing or dancing, they are always a sight to behold, they know how to grab an audience, and just take them on that journey.”

The event features a diverse and exciting lineup. Image: Dis Charge

With such an eclectic, and intensely political lineup, Dis hints that Cannonball Cabaret will be as explosive as its namesake.

“Part of the thing that has made me as as well known as a host and as a producer, is the fact that we do not shy away from politics when we’re discussing our performances, because the minute a queer person steps on a stage, we take hold of our agency in a way that makes us politicised. We cannot shy away from it.”

The opportunity to take hold of their agency on stage is not one Dis takes for granted. Like so many performers, they found the lack of government support during the pandemic took a significant toll on their wellbeing.

“As a queer artist, I was reminded that I am completely disposable. That was the message that was sent by this government, you know, we were told immediately, you do not mean anything to us.

“Our support was almost nil. Except for the community. The community supported each other really beautifully. There were a lot of hands out, and that was really phenomenal. But as a full time self employed performer and artist, it was really frightening.”

Host and organiser of Cannonball Cabaret, Dis Charge. Photo: Dis Charge

Taking place just days after final lockdown restrictions are set to lift, Cannonball Cabaret will be one of the first in-person events many of Bristol’s queer community will have experienced for almost 18 months- an exciting prospect for both audiences and performers.

“All of the performers included in the show have been doing the virtual events, which have been really wonderful. But I feel because I’m a live performer, I miss that connection with my audience and performing to a camera is just not the same for me. There’s a little bit of nervousness that comes with it, which happens every show but because it’s been so long it’s it’s a little bit more palpable. But it’s a really good feeling.”

Above all else, Dis hopes Cannonball will be a joyful coming together for Bristol’s queer community after a year that has seen LGBTQ+ people separated from their communities and spaces.

“When people step into that space, I want them to feel safe, I want them to feel happy. I want them to feel excited, thrilled, chilled- all of the different things that we get to experience when we’re at a cabaret. I want to uplift them.

“ I want to remind them that there are unique perspectives and just wonderful voices out there that are telling that truth and being the raucous, queer, weird, wild and wired people that they are. Because we are here. We’re not going anywhere. Come and celebrate with us. Come join the pleasure revolution.”

Main photo: Romeo De La Cruz, Carmen Monoxide and Jada Love. Photos: Dis Charge.

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