Drag queens record exciting online show to raise funds for staff
The drag queens of the 1950s style theatre restaurant, Beefcakes, have joined forces to raise funds that will
be shared among the performers, waiters, and cleaning staff.
Beefcakes, one of South Africa’s premier bachelorette party venues, has been unable to open its doors due to the strict lockdown rules imposed by government.
Now, the drag queens of this 1950s style theatre restaurant have joined forces to raise funds that will be shared among the performers, waiters, and cleaning staff.
Before lockdown, women and men flocked to Beefcakes in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria to see drag queens, including TV host Betty Bangles, perform on stage as handsome, topless men serve them gourmet burgers and cocktails.
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But the drag queens who depend on these shows and tips from patrons have not received an income for the past four months. Although restaurants are, under the current regulations, allowed to operate, Beefcakes is a dinner theatre where birthdays and bachelorette parties are celebrated. Because of the no-alcohol rule and the 9pm curfew, people were not keen to book.
Roberto del Gallo, who bought Beefcakes in October last year, said the business was doing very well until COVID-19 hit.
“The effect of COVID-19 and lockdown has been enormous. All our expenses, waiters, staff and artists need to be paid. Our artists have been without work which means they don’t get paid at all. The ripple effect of this is huge, affecting not only individuals but families."
Bernard Buys (aka Betty Bangles), star of the reality show 'Betty en die Dossers', is one of the queens performing. “Like many in the entertainment industry, we have no income. We went from 3 shows a week to nothing!
“Most of our queens don’t have other jobs. With this show, we want to raise money for the Beefcakes artists as well as other staff. We are a family and we look out for each other.”
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Betty, along with LouLou Blu, Charne Churchill, Holly Diamond, and Kitana K, have recorded a show that will be screened online in an hour-long exciting drag show that will be available from 28 August until 5 September.
Tickets are available at tixsa and cost R65.
Tune in to the 'Scenic Drive with Rian', weekdays from 16:00-19:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.