Bollywood drag kings of The Gentleman’s Club arrive in the UK

Puja Sarup of Patchworks Ensemble discusses one of this year’s most original theatre productions.

• Asjad Nazir
• 03 October, 2024

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By: Asjad Nazir

MUMBAI-BASED theatre company Patchworks Ensemble brings its successful show The Gentlemen’s Club to Soho Theatre in London from Tuesday (1) – next Saturday (12).

The vibrant production blends Mumbai’s underground club scene with electrifying drag kings and classic Bollywood rock ‘n’ roll, promising to entertain diverse audiences. Set in a fictional club night where a motley crew of women take to the stage, embodying masculinity with confident swagger, Patchworks Ensemble’s founding member Puja Sarup plays a drag king inspired by Bollywood legend Shammi Kapoor.

Eastern Eye recently caught up with Sarup to discuss one of this year’s most original theatre productions.

How was The Gentlemen’s Club conceived?

The seed for this show came from various conversations. At Patchworks, we were keen to explore the creation of drag king characters. Meanwhile, Vikram Phukan, a writer and theatre practitioner based in Mumbai, was discussing with Gaysi Family, a queer organisation, the idea of writing a show about drag queens. When we met for coffee one day, we decided to merge the two ideas, and that’s how The Gentlemen’s Club was born.

Tell us about the show.

The story is set in a fictitious drag club called The Gentlemen’s Club, featuring a motley crew of drag kings headlined by Rocky, the club’s owner. Rocky’s act is a tribute to the legendary Shammi Kapoor and the golden era of Hindi cinema. Alongside Rocky, a diverse ensemble of women embraces the art of drag, delivering a cabaretstyle performance that transports you to a gritty, hidden world where you can be anyone you desire. Featuring a dazzling mix of dance, music, and projection, the show unfolds an exciting and provocative narrative celebrating performers and their exploration of masculinity.

How did you select the music for the show?

The music reflects the show’s homage to both Bollywood’s golden era and contemporary club culture. We wanted to capture the flamboyance and energy central to the drag performances, which meant including Shammi Kapoor’s iconic numbers. The lively dance tracks mirror the vibrant and diverse line-up.

Who are you hoping this show appeals to?

The Gentlemen’s Club is designed to appeal to anyone who enjoys drag culture, cabaret, and a celebration of gender fluidity, but there is something in it for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of Bollywood nostalgia or curious about gender and performance, the show offers something for everyone. It’s meant to entertain while encouraging people to question conventional ideas about gender.

Is there a key message you want to convey with this show?

There isn’t a specific message – we just hope audiences have fun, are enthralled by the kings of the stage, and leave questioning conventional ideas around gender.

What inspired the interesting title?

The title, The Gentlemen’s Club, plays on the traditional concept of a space exclusive to men. The show subverts that idea and reclaims masculinity through the lens of drag kings – women embodying and performing masculine personas. It turns the notion of a gentlemen’s club on its head by creating a space where gender roles are fluid, performative, and playful.

The show also celebrates Shammi Kapoor. What made him such an icon?

Shammi Kapoor was an icon of Bollywood’s golden era, known for his flamboyant style, charm, and rebellious screen presence. He embodied a kind of fluid masculinity that was ahead of its time – larger-than-life yet playful and charismatic. In The Gentlemen’s Club, Rocky’s character pays tribute to Kapoor, channelling his unique blend of charm and rebellion. This makes Kapoor’s persona perfect for a drag king interpretation, adding a layer of nostalgia to the show while challenging gender norms in a contemporary drag context.

How much are you looking forward to the run at Soho Theatre in London?

Soho Theatre is an iconic venue, and we’re incredibly excited to bring our show there. The most thrilling aspect of performing in a new city and country is the opportunity to meet and connect with new audiences.

What inspires Patchworks Ensemble as a collective?

As a devised theatre company, we constantly look at the world around us for inspiration. Our curiosity drives us – what are we, as artists, interested in right now? What are the burning questions within us, and how can we share these with our audiences? Stories, people, places, and different forms of performance can all be starting points for a show.

Why should we all come to watch The Gentlemen’s Club? The Gentlemen’s Club is a mix of entertainment, music, dance, and humour, while also encouraging audiences to rethink conventional ideas about gender. Through its exploration of drag culture and nods to Bollywood’s golden era, the show aims to engage and entertain, offering a thoughtful yet enjoyable experience. It blends artistry and nostalgia in a way that invites audiences to reflect and have fun at the same time.

The Gentlemen’s Club runs from Tuesday (1) – next Saturday (12) at Soho Theatre in London. www.sohotheatre.com