Did someone say an outrageous party at the National Portrait Gallery?

Posted on 7 June, 2022

Calling all glam-punks, royal-rebels and glitzy-queens—The National Portrait Gallery is having an outrageous party and you’re all invited!

Kicking off from 7:30 pm and going late into the night, the one-of-a-kind shindig is here to celebrate the Shakespeare to Winehouse exhibition, bringing a party worthy of the famous faces to life. 

That’s right, it’s the ultimate late-night celebration of sequins, chains, extreme theatrics, glamour, bright lights, and good vibes. And with live music, performances by burlesque queens as well as a bunch (a flap? a tuck?) of roving fashion, you won’t want to miss this. 

Featuring live music from Canberra’s own loud, hilarious, unapologetic, frenetic, fierce, and fun band Glitoris, as well as Charlie Villas (one of Sydney’s favourite party starters) and disco-dramarama queen Tanzer, you can expect a melding of disco, punk provocation and pop harmonies with a dash of dramatic theatre. 

But that’s not all. Partygoers can also enjoy performances by burlesque queen Jazida (adored for her specialty in fan dancing) and comedic queen of tease Rosie Rivette. They will capture your heart with their cheeky, and fun performances before punching you where the sun don’t shine—leaving you wanting more. 

A much-loved face in the queer underground, Sydney drag queen Aaron Manhattan will be MCing the night and bringing their signature style of performance mayhem to the Gallery in an act you won’t forget. And if that’s not enough to convince you to crash this party, best dressed will win a custom Doppelganger piece of jewellery by pop art accessories label Doodad and Fandango!

As well as all of the frivolity and fun of the night, your ticket also includes entry into Shakespeare to Winehouse: Icons from the National Portrait Gallery, London anytime over the long weekend (during non-party hours, of course). From Shakespeare to Winehouse, Darwin to Dickens, the Beatles, Brontë sisters and Beckham, the exhibition is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to see famous faces from the sixteenth century to today. And with over 80 treasures adoring the walls of the National Portrait Gallery, it’s the perfect chance to explore the stories of fame, power, love, loss and innovation before it heads back to London. 

Booking are essential, so make sure to clear your calendar and grab your dancing shoes—this party is just getting started. 

Feature image via facebook.com/PortraitAu