An Intro To The Art Of Drag Workshop

Award winning cabaret and theatre makers, drag artist Topsie Redfern (Nathan Kiely) and writer/director Sarah Chew are making their new drag cabaret show, Crystal Balls, in association with Barbican Theatre Plymouth.

They are offering a FREE in-person masterclass where attendees can share their act (if they want) for feedback and advice plus have some fun hearing top tips, ideas and we’re sure some very interesting stories from this award winning artist.  

Nathan made his West End debut in 2009 playing Mary Sunshine in hit musical Chicago alongside Michelle Williams from Destiny’s Child and talk-show legend Jerry Springer. He is a regular feature in high end UK musical theatre. Most recently Nathan was rehearsing Orpheus by Nmon Ford, a house music opera being staged at London’s Young Vic Theatre, which we hope will premiere post lockdown.

After working with playwright and director Sarah Chew last year, playing the role of Mark in her musical fable Lipstick: Fairytale Of Iran, the duo are currently creating Topsie Redfern’s Crystal Balls.

​​Nathan’s Cabaret alter-ego Topsie Redfern is a regular and popular fixture in some of the UK’s most celebrated cabaret venues, with regular international appearances. Topsie is a popular host of Drag Queen Storytime sessions, reading to families and young people in schools and libraries throughout the UK.

Topsie is an extremely proud Ambassador of UK charity Cancer Is A Drag, and regularly works with HIV Charity The Food Chain.

Nathan is joined by Crystal Balls writer and director Sarah Chew. Sarah’s professional experience from the West End and off Broadway, to Nairobi slums, and has taken her to 4 continents, where she has directed over 70 productions and written 7 produced plays.

Sarah also writes and direct comedy and cabaret, and has a regular collaboration with headline comedian Desiree Burch.

How to sign up for the workshop

This is free workshop offered to anyone aged 15+. It is ideal for established, emerging or just curious Drag Queens, Kings and everyone in between. It is held in person at Barbican Theatre, where strict health and safety for social distancing is in place. There is opportunity to share your act, ask questions and get involved as much as you like but this is not mandatory. Please complete your details below if you’d like to attend. 

Barbican Theatre is a safe space  – safe to be who you are, regardless of race, class, religion, country of origin, immigration status, (dis)ability, age, gender, identity, or sexual orientation.