Marm’s Spotlight, Leeds
What happens when drag becomes a global phenomenon?
Rolling off the back of the Drag Race lorry, armed with nothing but a RuPeter Badge and a fading memory of the Werk Room, Marmalade wades into the territory of post show “fame”, and is left wondering…
Why did she do that? Why did she go on the show? What kind of impact does the show, one of that scale, have on local scenes and their? A show that doesn’t necessarily platform the drag she loves, and why doesn’t it? What kind of drag does she love? Does she still love her own drag? Why does she do it?
Welcome to Spotlight – a new venue designed, operated and built by Marmalade herself (it wasn’t, this is theatre), and her chance to explore these questions, pretend she has answers, and celebrate the drag and queer artists she loves.
Development stages of this show were funded by Arts Council of Wales. Directed by Elan Isaac, with written material by Priya Hall, creative support by Leo Drayton, and produced by Daniel Huw Bowen on behalf of The Queer Emporium, Marm’s Spotlight is a newly created theatre show by star of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and drag artist, Marmalade.
Illustration by cakelikeowen
Cast
Marmalade
Marmalade is a drag artist and seamstress, who taught herself to sew during the lockdown period caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. She has made outfits for organisations including Frân Wen and National Eisteddfod Cymru, though she is most well known for outfits made for contestants on the RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise. Her sewing recently made her a Guinness Book Record Holder and her outfit, ‘Marmalade’s Marie Antoinette Drag Ensemble’, is currently on display as part of the Marie Antoinette Style exhibition at the V&A South Kensington until March 2026.
In 2024, she competed on the sixth series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, placing in the top four. Since then, she has performed at notable LGBTQ+ venues and spaces, including The Clapham Grand, The Glee Club and Pride Cymru.
Thistle Thing
Thistle Thing is a sharp-tongued, high-glamour performer with a love for character, detail, and a perfectly timed wink. Blending theatrical flair with handcrafted looks, they bring wit, presence, and just the right amount of mischief to every stage.
Unknown Amazon
Taking you back to a time of revolution, funk & proud PROUD afros, it’s Unknown Amazon!
More Events
R.M.F.C. + The Hobknobs
29th September 2026 - 29th September 2026
R.M.F.C., the brainchild of New South Wales rock’n’roller Buz Clatworthy have released one album and a trio of singles for awesome Aussie indie Anti Fade…
Sans Froid + Cateyes + Fern Veh
4th September 2026 - 4th September 2026
Bad Owl Presents… SANS FROID: Art-Rock from Bristol. New album ‘Back In The Womb’ out in July on Church Road Records. https://sansfroid.bandcamp.com/album/back-into-the-womb CATEYES: Alt-Rock /…
SCALARAMA 2026: Jean Cocteau’s ‘The Blood of a Poet’ with Score by ‘Blood Niece’
27th September 2026 - 27th September 2026
Good Boys Film Club is proud to present a screening of Jean Cocteau’s 1932 film ‘The Blood of a Poet’, as part of SCALARAMA FILM…
Explore The Neighbourhood
Hannah East: Express Yourself
Hannah East’s brand-new show is a hilarious deep dive into the highs and lows of parenting. With millions of views across her viral comedy reels,…
Learn MoreReturn to Oz (U)
Dorothy discovers she is back in the land of Oz, and finds the yellow brick road is now a pile of rubble, and the Emerald…
Learn MoreThe Smyths
The Smyths return to the Brudenell for their annual residency. Playing all hits, but also celebrating ‘The Queen Is Dead’ 40th Anniversary.
Learn MoreMyles Smith
Singer and songwriter Myles Smith is headed to first direct bank arena, Leeds on his brand new tour ‘My Mess, My Heart, My Life.’ Brit…
Learn MoreScott Bennett: Stuff
As heard on BBC Radio 4! As a society we love stuff, it’s a statement about who we are and who we want to be.…
Learn MoreLegally Blonde The Musical
OMIGOD YOU GUYS! The hit West End and Broadway musical comedy based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the award-winning motion picture is here!…
Learn MoreThe Banksia
Welcome to The Banksia – the latest place to grab the hottest plates and the most scintillating drinks in Leeds. Whether you’re with us for…
Learn MoreMy Thai, Merrion Centre
Tucked away in the Merrion Centre – Thai food, cooked fast and fresh. A menu of nearly one hundred dishes, you can tuck into the…
Learn MoreRed Chilli Restaurant
Red Chilli is a restaurant with a mission – to enhance your experience in Chinese food, looking after your pocket, stomach and soul. We specialise…
Learn MoreFriends of Ham
Eating and drinking emporium complete with a Tasting Room, Delicatessen, Log Burner and Outdoor Seating. Serving up Specialist Beers, Wine, Sherry, Cheese and Charcuterie. Friends…
Learn MoreThe Social
The Social. @thesocialleeds. Come hang, chat and get social! Modern, spacious bar with bare brick walls and a mix of seating: wooden chairs, bar stools…
Learn MoreA Nation Of Shopkeepers
Nation of Shopkeepers brings together a multi-functioning 850 capacity space including a stunning fully contained outside courtyard, situated in the heart of Leeds. They showcase…
Learn MoreAge UK Leeds
Age UK Leeds is an independent charity working in Leeds to offer support and services to older people.
Learn MoreYeadon Community Hub & Library
Join for free and borrow books, eBooks, eAudio and more. We also provide help for people to get online and run events and activities for…
Learn MoreRoundhay Parochial Hall
We are a community Hall in north Leeds, providing space for a wide range of classes, groups and clubs. Roundhay Parochial Hall is a charitable…
Learn MoreOtley Community Hub & Library
Join for free and borrow books, eBooks, eAudio and more. We also provide help for people to get online and run events and activities for…
Learn MoreAspire Leeds
Built in 1894 and located in an imposing and opulent styled building rich with historic interest in the heart of Leeds City Centre, Aspire is…
Learn MoreRoundhay Artists Open Studios Art Trail
An art trail showcasing the creativity of professional and semi-professional artists in the Roundhay and Oakwood area of Leeds
Learn MoreBoom Leeds
Leeds, UK grassroots venue now based inside @canalside.leeds 👊🏼 All genres, but dedicated to promoting hardcore, metal and punk.
Learn MoreThe Woolpack Music Studios
The Woolpack Studios is a community music studio and rehearsal space in the centre of Otley, run by Richard Sabey and Jennifer Pugh. As well…
Learn MoreUnder The Arches
Under The Arches is an event space created by the club brand Ruckus24, it’s on Lower Briggate.. LS1 6LY
Learn MoreLeft Bank Leeds
Left Bank Leeds is an arts and events venue based in the unexpected and breathtaking surroundings of the former St Margaret of Antioch church building…
Learn MorePrime Studios
Prime studios is a state of the art media production facility and a popular production base for primetime uk tv dramas and independent feature films.…
Learn More