Families in West London are embroiled in a heated controversy over a Christmas theatre production featuring drag performer Tania LeCoq, scheduled for December 19 at Richmond Theatre.
The event, marketed as family-friendly with age guidance of 0 to 5 years, promises festive magic through storytelling, carols, dancing and puppet shows. However, the involvement of a drag queen has sparked significant backlash from parents and conservative groups.
Parental Outrage and Safety Concerns
Angry parents have launched demands for the show's cancellation, describing the performance as 'extremely inappropriate' for young children. One mother expressed particular concern about 'grown men dressed up as women entertaining children under five', specifically objecting to the performer's stage name Tania LeCoq.
Another local father told reporters he 'could not believe what I was reading' when receiving the theatre's promotional email. He asserted that 'no parent in their right mind would expose innocent children to sexualised storytelling sessions' of this nature.
Protest Threats from Conservative Campaigners
The situation has escalated with Turning Point UK, the British branch of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk's organisation, threatening to stage protests outside the venue. In a strongly-worded statement, the group condemned the production as 'a horrific perversion of the Christmas period'.
The organisation argued that Christmas should focus on 'protecting children's innocence rather than exposing them to horrifically inappropriate drag queen performances'. They have urged Richmond Theatre management to cancel the event and are 'considering protest action in opposition to this disgusting performance'.
The Performers and Promoters Respond
Tania LeCoq regularly performs adult-only shows at the City of Quebec pub in Marylebone, where last year's Christmas production was titled 'Tis the Season...B**ch!'. The current children's event is promoted by Dragged Around London and managed by ATG Tickets, which operates Richmond Theatre.
Promotional materials describe the show as an 'inclusive, family-friendly hour celebrating diversity and imagination' featuring Christmas stories, bubbles and decorations. The producers emphasise the performance delivers 'sparkling Christmas magic' appropriate for young audiences.
However, some parents remain unconvinced, with one mother stating that while she supports pantomime dames and raising inclusive children, 'drag shows are highly sexualised and for adult entertainment only'. She questioned why families are being 'forced to believe this is normal' for young children.
Both ATG Tickets and Dragged Around London have been approached for comment regarding the growing controversy surrounding the December 19th performance.
