Woolwich Works Announces Pride 2026 Lineup of Karaoke, Drag Storytime, and More

Woolwich Works marks Pride 2026 with a vibrant programme of live performance celebrating queer creativity, identity and expression - from boundary-pushing circus and cabaret to sharp, joyful stand-up comedy.

Across late-May and into early July, South East London’s most-connected venue presents a variety of distinctive events that highlight the breadth and brilliance of LGBTQ+ artists working across disciplines, bringing together established voices and emerging talent in a spirit of celebration, provocation and fun.

Kicking things off on Saturday 30 May is Aircraft Circus: Sizzling Hot Circus, a thrilling, adults-only cabaret experience directed by Lucy Francis. Featuring a sensational cast of aerialists, dancers and circus performers, the show blends high-skill acrobatics with playful, seductive performance — from silks and hoop to the rare quads trapeze. Bold, daring and unapologetically entertaining, it sets the tone for a Pride season that embraces spectacle, individuality and creative freedom.

On Saturday 6 June, Woolwich Works hosts a special 30th anniversary screening of Beautiful Thing — the beloved British coming-of-age film based on Jonathan Harvey’s play. Set and filmed in nearby Thamesmead, the film holds a strong local connection and remains widely regarded as one of the most important and heartfelt LGBTQ+ stories in British cinema.

Music and community come together on Friday 12 June with a special Divas-themed karaoke night in the Visitors’ Book Café. A celebration of iconic LGBTQ+ anthems and pop greats, the evening invites audiences to take to the mic in a relaxed, high-energy setting (18+).

At the heart of the programme is Queer Euphoria (Friday 19 June), curated and performed by acclaimed circus artist Zaki Musa. This bold, high-energy showcase brings together a diverse cast of queer creative visionaries, offering an evening of immersive cabaret and circus performance that challenges convention and celebrates unapologetic self-expression. Expect a dynamic mix of aerial artistry, theatrical storytelling and boundary-pushing acts, all infused with passion, energy and pride.

Comedy takes centre stage on Sunday 21 June with Clare Summerskill: Pride and Joy, as the celebrated lesbian comedian delivers a unique blend of stand-up and original comedy songs. Known for her sharp wit and warm, relatable storytelling, Summerskill has been described on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour as “a lesbian Victoria Wood” and continues to be one of the UK’s most distinctive and engaging comedic voices. Her work explores identity, community and everyday life with humour and insight, resonating strongly with LGBTQ+ audiences across the UK and beyond.

27 June will see LGBTQ+ Greenwich present Proud Together; an outrageous, cheeky but thoroughly joyous celebration for all of the family, hosted by the UK’s only Hungarian drag queen Candy Heals.  It's just the right side of naughty - the event is completely free and there’s no need to book.

The drag theme continues the following day (28 June) with Drag Queen Storytime making a return to Woolwich Works following its rip-roaring success at The Luminarium back in April.  Hosted by dazzling drag princess Topsie Redfern (aka acclaimed West End actor Nathan Kiley) and featuring enchanting stories, toe-tapping songs and playful activities for young and old alike, Topsie’s storytelling sparks imagination and wonder while celebrating the power of diversity, self-expression and kindness.

LGBTQ+ Greenwich make a return to Woolwich Works on 11 July for their unique Drag & Fab event.  This isn’t just a drag show, it’s a spectacular, high-energy queer cabaret showcasing a dazzling spectrum of London’s drag kings, queens and non-binary royalty.  From quirky comedy to captivating live vocals, expect glamour, glitz, sauciness, naughtiness and some audience participation.

Together, these events reflect Woolwich Works’ ongoing commitment to platforming diverse voices and creating space for artists and audiences to connect through live performance. Whether through laughter, spectacle or shared celebration, Pride at Woolwich Works promises a joyful and inclusive experience at one of South East London’s most dynamic cultural venues.