Marm's Spotlight, Gateshead
What happens when drag becomes a global phenomenon?
Rolling off the back of the 'Drag Race' lorry, armed with nothing but a RuPeter Badge and a fading memory of the Werk Room, Marmalade wades into the territory of post show “fame”, and is left wondering…
Why did she do that? Why did she go on the show? What kind of impact does the show, one of that scale, have on local scenes and their? A show that doesn’t necessarily platform the drag she loves, and why doesn’t it? What kind of drag does she love? Does she still love her own drag? Why does she do it?
Welcome to Spotlight - a new venue designed, operated and built by Marmalade herself (it wasn’t, this is theatre), and her chance to explore these questions, pretend she has answers, and celebrate the drag and queer artists she loves.
Development stages of this show were funded by Arts Council of Wales. Directed by Elan Isaac, with written material by Priya Hall, creative support by Leo Drayton, and produced by Daniel Huw Bowen on behalf of The Queer Emporium, 'Marm’s Spotlight' is a newly created theatre show by star of 'RuPaul’s Drag Race UK' and drag artist, Marmalade.
Illustration by cakelikeowen
Cast
Marmalade
Marmalade is a drag artist and seamstress, who taught herself to sew during the lockdown period caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. She has made outfits for organisations including Frân Wen and National Eisteddfod Cymru, though she is most well known for outfits made for contestants on the 'RuPaul’s Drag Race' franchise. Her sewing recently made her a Guinness Book Record Holder and her outfit, 'Marmalade’s Marie Antoinette Drag Ensemble', is currently on display as part of the 'Marie Antoinette Style' exhibition at the V&A South Kensington until March 2026.
In 2024, she competed on the sixth series 'RuPaul’s Drag Race UK', placing in the top four. Since then, she has performed at notable LGBTQ+ venues and spaces, including The Clapham Grand, The Glee Club and Pride Cymru.
Veggie Stripper
Veggie Stripper is a black drag king based in Newcastle and is the personification of organised chaos. Your friendly neighbourhood twink is known for his dramatic makeup, powerful live vocals and a high-energy, eclectic performance style.
Mea T. Cleaver
Mea T. Cleaver is a trans activist, drag artist, mother of the Haus of Cleaver, Drag All Stars winner and reigning Supreme Witch of the North.
Further Information
Alcohol will be served at this event. This is a seated event. Loud sounds may feature as part of the performances.
Accessibility Information
Our events are situated in the Royal Arcade, Morgan Quarter. Access to this can be gained via our shopfront entrance, which includes a step or via our side entrance, which is level with the ground but please let us know in advance if you would like to use this one as it is often locked. There is also a disabled toilet on site.
The Queer Emporium is situated at the lower half of St. Mary's Street. There is a taxi rank diagonally across from the space and Uber cars are able to collect people from the Marriott Hotel, which is approximately 0.4 miles away. Here, many buses also stop to collect passengers and allow them to alight. Parking is available in St. David's Hall 2 and the John Lewis Car Park, both of which are approximately 0.2 miles from The Queer Emporium.
Pay It Forward
If you are facing any financial barriers that may prevent you from attending the event, please contact us. We have a limited number of Pay It Forward tickets available for all of our events.
Rolling off the back of the 'Drag Race' lorry, armed with nothing but a RuPeter Badge and a fading memory of the Werk Room, Marmalade wades into the territory of post show “fame”, and is left wondering…
Why did she do that? Why did she go on the show? What kind of impact does the show, one of that scale, have on local scenes and their? A show that doesn’t necessarily platform the drag she loves, and why doesn’t it? What kind of drag does she love? Does she still love her own drag? Why does she do it?
Welcome to Spotlight - a new venue designed, operated and built by Marmalade herself (it wasn’t, this is theatre), and her chance to explore these questions, pretend she has answers, and celebrate the drag and queer artists she loves.
Development stages of this show were funded by Arts Council of Wales. Directed by Elan Isaac, with written material by Priya Hall, creative support by Leo Drayton, and produced by Daniel Huw Bowen on behalf of The Queer Emporium, 'Marm’s Spotlight' is a newly created theatre show by star of 'RuPaul’s Drag Race UK' and drag artist, Marmalade.
Illustration by cakelikeowen
Cast
Marmalade
Marmalade is a drag artist and seamstress, who taught herself to sew during the lockdown period caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. She has made outfits for organisations including Frân Wen and National Eisteddfod Cymru, though she is most well known for outfits made for contestants on the 'RuPaul’s Drag Race' franchise. Her sewing recently made her a Guinness Book Record Holder and her outfit, 'Marmalade’s Marie Antoinette Drag Ensemble', is currently on display as part of the 'Marie Antoinette Style' exhibition at the V&A South Kensington until March 2026.
In 2024, she competed on the sixth series 'RuPaul’s Drag Race UK', placing in the top four. Since then, she has performed at notable LGBTQ+ venues and spaces, including The Clapham Grand, The Glee Club and Pride Cymru.
Veggie Stripper
Veggie Stripper is a black drag king based in Newcastle and is the personification of organised chaos. Your friendly neighbourhood twink is known for his dramatic makeup, powerful live vocals and a high-energy, eclectic performance style.
Mea T. Cleaver
Mea T. Cleaver is a trans activist, drag artist, mother of the Haus of Cleaver, Drag All Stars winner and reigning Supreme Witch of the North.
Further Information
Alcohol will be served at this event. This is a seated event. Loud sounds may feature as part of the performances.
Accessibility Information
Our events are situated in the Royal Arcade, Morgan Quarter. Access to this can be gained via our shopfront entrance, which includes a step or via our side entrance, which is level with the ground but please let us know in advance if you would like to use this one as it is often locked. There is also a disabled toilet on site.
The Queer Emporium is situated at the lower half of St. Mary's Street. There is a taxi rank diagonally across from the space and Uber cars are able to collect people from the Marriott Hotel, which is approximately 0.4 miles away. Here, many buses also stop to collect passengers and allow them to alight. Parking is available in St. David's Hall 2 and the John Lewis Car Park, both of which are approximately 0.2 miles from The Queer Emporium.
Pay It Forward
If you are facing any financial barriers that may prevent you from attending the event, please contact us. We have a limited number of Pay It Forward tickets available for all of our events.
Where is it happening?
ONE Centre, Gateshead, United Kingdom
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Host or PublisherQueer Emporium
