Ladyboys of Bangkok to hold auditions for Scottish recruit

The Lady Boys are auditioning for a new Scottish recruit. Picture: Jon Savage

And now to celebrate their strong links to the city, the Ladyboys of Bangkok will hold auditions to find a glamorous Scottish act to fly out to the Thai capital for a one-off 20th anniversary show.

The winner of the talent contest will be invited to perform at the famous Mambo Club alongside the sequin-studded troupe in what has become one of the biggest acts of its kind in the world.

And it is hoped that this will be the first step in an exciting new cultural exchange that will see Scottish ladyboys entertaining international crowds in the Asian heartlands of the cabaret sensation.

The offer came after the proliferation of tribute acts in the Festival made the organisers realise there was wealth of talent in the Scottish cabaret scene.

Tony Wilki-Millar, publicist for the show, said: “We think it’s good that the Ladyboys have become so much part of Edinburgh. And who knows, we may start off a whole generation of performers going out to Bangkok.

“We are offering someone the opportunity to break new ground and help celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Ladyboys.”

Auditions are open to men only and will be held on Wednesday morning at the show tent in 189 Fountainbridge, with the judging from 11am.

“This is not just about looking attractive,” added show founder Phillip Gandey. “The contestants must be able to perform as well as projecting a female persona for as long as they are on stage.

“They have to be made up and to be able to do their own make-up.

“They must be in their own costumes and wig and the judging panel will be expecting to see the act as it would be performed [before a live audience].”

Performers should bring their own music or backing track on a USB and should appeal to an international audience who may not understand English.

The panel of judges will include Mr Gandey himself, the show’s principal comedian, the Thai artistic director and the dance captain.

Evening News reporter John Connell will also have his say.

The audition can last up to three minutes and contestants must be Scottish or resident in Scotland for the last five years.

The winner will be flown out to Thailand and back in January, provided with four nights’ accommodation and breakfasts.

The winner will also be taken on cultural excursions which will include tours of the some of the city’s famous temples.

Created in 1998, the show has gone from strength to strength year after year.

Those who wish to enter should email [email protected] by Tuesday.

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