The Lady Boys of Bangkok

Every year in April/May Gandex World Class Productions brings the famous Lady Boys of Bangkok to Brighton and each year it is a new show,this year's offering is Carnival Queens and it is more spectacular than ever.

Their own purpose-built structure the fully carpeted Sabai Pavilion is set up in Victoria Gardens opposite the Royal Pavilion and as soon as you enter the foyer you are engulfed in Bangkok's exotic nightlife.

There is a stall selling feathers,Thai Buddhas,DVDs and photographs of The Lady Boys and much more.Moving along to the Thai Cabin you can experience the taste of Thailand with delicious dishes cooked in front of you by Master Chef Thapwat Phanmee,there is also a licensed bar.

As you enter the main Pavilion beautifully dressed Thai girls (or  maybe boys) escort you to your table which is one of many tables set out cabaret style.When you book a ticket you are allocated a table and many Hen Parties choose to go to the show on a Friday or Saturday night when it is a real party. 

But every night is a party in the Sabai Pavilion and the show is very spectacular and a great night out.It is funny,sexy but never crude and there is no nudity.Just 16 of the world's greatest showgirls taking you through a carnival parade like no other show you have ever seen.

The only difference is these Beautiful girls are all Thai men.They have Thai boys who perform as males in the show and this year they have a wonderful acrobatic act by a young man who performs on top and round the sides of a tall pole.That is definitely one of the highlights of the 2012 Carnival.

Who are the Lady Boys?

Lady Boys or Katoeys as they are called in Thailand are known as the 3rd sex.They are not transexual or transvestites,they are transgender individuals who live 24 hours a day.365 days a year as Lady Boys and they are generally more in Thai culture than transexual people are in Western countries.

Lady Boys have been around in Thailand for centuries,they orginated as performers at weddings and market places very much like troubadours or travelling players.

Some 30 years ago Lady Boys started performing for tourists in Bangkok and were so popular there are now 6 multi-million purpose-built theatres in the city that just host Lady Boys.

The 2012 show Carnival Queens is a mixture of topical comedy,surprises and satire that only the Lady Boys can deliver.All the performers mime to well-known songs and there is a hilarious skit on The Sound of  Music.One of the older Lady Boys has got Tina Turner off to a tee.

The Lady Boys of Bangkok is currently on a UK tour and you can book them by telephoning 0871 705 0705 and you can find more information about the 2012 show on the Lady Boys website