Edinburgh drag nativity show returns to capital promising camp glam

Jacob Farr

10 November 2024 at 7:58 am·2-min read

Drag queens will perform their adaptation of the nativity story. — -Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)

A drag adaptation of the Nativity story is set to return to the capital after last year’s sold out show.

Organiser Chloe Barnes accepted the show has been controversial for some in the capital but added audiences will see a ‘bigger and better’ ‘Nativislay’ performance.

‘Nativislay’ will be performed at the Leith Arches on December 10 and 11 with producers promising an “outrageous yet heartwarming” show.

“With our all-queer cast, we’re taking a pantomime approach by cranking up the volume with more musical numbers, bigger dance routines, and even more comedy that will have you laughing from start to finish,” Chloe said. “Retellings of the nativity story have always been a beloved part of Christmas—whether it's the feel-good ‘Nativity!’ films or the countless stage adaptations we’ve seen over the years.

“So, when we decided to give it our own drag twist, we knew we were onto something special. There’s nothing wrong with a drag version of this timeless story—if anything, it brings a fresh perspective, loads of humour, and a whole lot of heart.

Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.

“Despite last year’s success there was controversy surrounding the show. Although so many celebrated, there were people who didn’t agree with our concept.

“We understand this isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. We enjoy what we do and so do our audience.

“This year we will be back with even more pride and fierceness than ever. Nativislay is our way of celebrating love, inclusivity, and individuality—the true spirit of Christmas—through the lens of drag.

Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox

“From Mary and Joseph to the Wise Men and the Angel Gabriel, we’re bringing this iconic story to life with high glamour, over-the-top performances, and a message that no matter who you are, you deserve to be celebrated. I can't wait to share this joy-filled, hilarious, and empowering show with you this December.”

The show will take place from 7.30pm to 10pm, tickets are available for purchase here.

OK! Magazine
Antiques Roadshow guest's hobby leaves expert stunned as he interrupts 'hang on!'
This week's instalment of the BBC's Antiques Roadshow saw expert Mark Hill left giggling "hang on!" as one guest made a surprising revelation about an item they had brought along to be valued
Esquire
The Man Who Owns 8,500 Mickey Mouse Watches
Meet Kerry Francis, the king of "character watch" collecting
The Guardian
Milton Jones: ‘I was heckled by Paul Weller and Robbie Williams at the same gig!’
The standup on the power of strange shirts, the importance of never Googling yourself and how he came to specialise in one-liners
BuzzFeed
21 "Wicked" Behind-The-Scenes Facts Specifically About The Original Broadway Cast And Creating The Musical
For the early Wicked rehearsals, Idina Menzel had to stay in Elphaba's green makeup all day so that they could test what the makeup would look like "under different lights."
Peterborough Matters
Peterborough street artist creates stunning tribute to RAF in latest mural
Peterborough-based street artists, Street Arts Hire, have painted a mural paying tribute to those at RAF Alconbury.
The Guardian
Renaissance: The Blood and the Beauty review – Charles Dance is gloriously game as Michelangelo
This astonishing docu-drama delves into the blazing rivalry between Michelangelo, Raphael and Leonardo – and Dance somehow resists the urge to ham it up to the max. Whatever you do, just don’t make a Ninja Turtles joke
Bromley News Shopper
Two of London's oldest markets are closing for good after 850 years
The City of London Corporation confirmed the 850-year-old fish and meat markets would be closing for good in 2028.
Bromley News Shopper
Inside the East Dulwich house that’s a ‘superb art destination’ and opens monthly
In East Dulwich you can visit this artsy house that turns into an open house art gallery once a month.
The Guardian
Jasleen Kaur, 38, wins the Turner prize 2024
The competition’s youngest contestant scoops the award for animating everyday objects to reflect the pluralities of identity and community
Herald Scotland
Jasleen Kaur wins Turner Prize for work showcasing Scottish Sikh community
Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur has won the Turner Prize for her solo exhibition Alter Altar, which includes an installation of a car with a giant doily on it.
People
Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso Unveil 'Incredibly Meaningful' Art Exhibit at N.Y.C. Gallery (Exclusive)
"To see art used as a powerful force for connection and change is inspiring," the Duke of Sussex and Prince Seeiso said in a statement shared with PEOPLE
Salisbury Journal
Salisbury theatre group sees pantos watched more than 500,000 times
John said their latest recording of their panto, Knight Fever, based on Arthurian Legends, could get even more views.
Colchester Evening Gazette
West Bergholt painter's Eric Morecambe portrait could fetch thousands at auction
A ROYAL artist who painted an iconic portrait of Eric Morecambe has revealed how the comedy legend had been worried it would look "too camp" as it heads to auction.
Hello!
Wolf Hall fans will love ITV's new period drama series – all the details
Wolf Hall fans will love the upcoming period drama, Majesty, which is currently in the works at ITV. Get the details…
Salisbury Journal
One-man Terry Pratchett show coming to Salisbury
Marc is especially excited to bring the show to Salisbury because Pratchett lived and worked there throughout the 1990s, writing many of his stories whilst settled there. In 2017 Salisbury Museum even held an exhibition recreating Pratchett’s office, even using his actual desk in their exhibition amongst displays of his personal possessions donated by his family, and painstakingly created replicas of his fireplace and window.
The National
Glasgow’s Centre for Contemporary Arts due to reopen next year
A POPULAR Scottish arts venue has confirmed it plans to reopen in the spring following a period of temporary closure.
The Telegraph
Keir Starmer refuses to meet 99-year-old war veteran who had £60k wiped off her pension
Sir Keir Starmer has refused to meet a Second World War veteran who had £60,000 wiped off her state pension.
People
Sofía Vergara Poses Topless and Shares Sexy Bikini Snaps from Colombian Holiday Vacation with Her Family
The actress shared photos of herself posing in a sexy black bikini as she and her family spent Thanksgiving in Colombia
CNN
Four friends posed for a photo on vacation in 1972. Over 50 years later, they recreated it
Four lifelong friends from the UK recreated their favorite vacation photo over half a century later. The group chatted to CNN Travel about the experience and how they’ve stayed close over the decades.
OK! Magazine
Melanie Sykes says Gregg Wallace was the reason she quit TV as she brands MasterChef 'unprofessional'
Melanie Sykes has claimed that Gregg Wallace was one of the reasons which led to her stepping back from TV, after she appeared on Celebrity MasterChef and found the show 'unprofessional'.

Latest stories