DRAG WEEK and Anthony Rapp Comes to the West End!

The St. James Studio is delighted to announce that its first ever drag week will take place from 1 - 5 November. Three shows from some of the country's most acclaimed drag performers will take to the studio stage: super-group Denim, androgynous signer Jessica Walker and West End star Ian Stroughair as alter ego Velma Celli.

The first two weeks in December provide St. James Studio audiences with the rare opportunity to see Anthony Rapp, one of the original stars of the smash-hit musical RENT, as he brings his solo concert to London. The concert has been specially programmed to coincide with the 20th Anniversary production of RENT the musical, which will play in the St. James Theatre from 8 December 2016 to 28 January 2017.

Drag Week is now on sale. Anthony Rapp: Live in Concert will go on sale to St. James Theatre friends on Friday 23 September at 12 noon and on general sale on Saturday 24 September at 12 noon.

DENIM

Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 November at 8pm

£20/£25

Drag super-group Denim was Cambridge University's first and only professional drag troupe, watched and celebrated by thousands of students over the years. The Denims are five singers, actors and comedians: Glamrou La Denim, Crystal Vaginova, Electra Cute, Shirley Du Naughty & Aphrodite Greene.

Denim's unique take on drag has been watched and appreciated by thousands, touring across the UK, including a performance with Florence & the Machine live onstage at Glastonbury.

For only two nights at the St. James Studio, the Denims will offer a glimpse into their epic life journey. What haven't these five queens been through? They've played the Super Bowl, they've voyaged on the Titanic, and they've been to outer space and back. Tonight they lay bare the truth of their lives...don't miss out on the once in a lifetime opportunity to see the Denims like you've never seen them before.

LOVE IS A DRAG

Thursday 3 November at 8pm

£20/£25

'Gifted singer Jessica Walker' (NY Times) presents a provocative new programme of gender-bending love songs in her uniquely androgynous performance style. The new arrangements for voice, piano and accordion are accompanied by MD Joseph Atkins.

Walker's last song programme, Mercy and Grand; the Tom Waits project, toured to critical acclaim and packed houses from London to Manchester to Adelaide. Now, alongside Waits and Cohen, she turns her attention to the great singer-songwriters of France, Britain and Germany, including songs by Neil Hannon, Jake Thackray, Mischa Spoliansky, Jacques Brel, and her father Pete Brown's love songs, written with the legendary Jack Bruce of Cream.

'Walker's luminous, androgynous appeal' - The Stage 2016

'A pure, bright mezzo-soprano of such melting beauty I think I could listen to it forever' - New York Times 2013

'Jessica Walker, a slinky, flame-haired androgyne in tux and boots, looking as if she might have strayed from some Weimar Republic dive' - The Guardian 2011

ICONIC - A BRIEF HISTORY OF DRAG

Friday 4 and Saturday 5 November at 8pm

£20/£30

West End star Ian Stroughair (Eastenders, Cats, Fame, Chicago, Rent) is the man behind the makeup of the sensational Velma Celli.

Velma presents a monster of a review show, dragging audiences on a journey of the most iconic drag moments of film, the stage and popular culture.

Iconic - A Brief History of Drag is suitable for audiences aged 16 and over

'Velma Celli is a STAR!' - Attitude Magazine

'A stand out turn' - Mark Shenton, The Stage

'Velma Celli's musical extravaganza hits all the right notes' - This Is Cabaret

Anthony Rapp: LIVE IN CONCERT

Monday 5 - Saturday 17 December

£25/£30

Monday - Saturday at 8pm

Saturday matinees at 3pm

No performance Tuesday 13 December

Anthony Rapp, original star of the smash-hit musical RENT, will play an intimate, unplugged evening, sharing the songs and stories that have influenced his life. Featuring hit songs from Broadway and beyond, alongside iconic numbers from RENT. Anthony will be joined by musical director Daniel A. Weiss.

Anthony Rapp is one of Broadway's most celebrated performers (Broadway's RENT, If/Then, Six Degrees of Separation, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown). He was last seen in London in 2012 with his smash hit show Without You (Menier Chocolate Factory - 5 stars, The Times).

Address: St. James Studio, 12 Palace Street, London SW1E 5JA

Box Office: 0844 264 2140

Website: www.stjamestheatre.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stjstudio

Twitter: www.twitter.com/st_jamestheatre

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