Hudson’s Royal Court Reigns Supreme

March 8, 2025
At The Barbershop Bar
WINDSOR, Ontario

A Night of Royalty and Revelry

Hear ye, hear ye! Windsor’s drag scene gathered for an evening of medieval mischief and birthday cheer as Hudson Bae hosted Hudson’s Royal Court at The Barbershop Bar on March 8th. Guests were invited to don their finest royal attire and join the king of the night in a celebration filled with high-energy performances, captivating costumes, and an atmosphere brimming with laughter and camaraderie.

Table of Contents:

• A Regal Affair: Setting the Scene

• Courtly Performances: The Stars of the Show

• Fashion Fit for Royalty

• A Night to Remember

A Regal Affair: Setting the Scene

As the clock struck eight, the doors to The Barbershop Bar opened to an eager crowd, excited to partake in Hudson Bae’s birthday bash. With the venue packed and the audience dressed to impress, the ambiance was electric, blending the charm of a Renaissance festival with the high energy of a modern drag show.

Hudson, ever the charismatic host, welcomed guests with his signature wit, kicking off the night’s festivities with a blend of comedy, charm, and classic court jester antics. From the moment he took the stage, the energy was contagious, setting the tone for an unforgettable night.

Courtly Performances: The Stars of the Show

Hudson’s Royal Court featured an outstanding lineup of drag royalty. Venom Von Snaps, Luxy Charms, and Cecil Cecropia graced the stage with stunning performances, each bringing their unique flair to the celebration. Though Lua was absent, the show pressed on with enough excitement to keep the crowd thoroughly entertained.

Venom Von Snaps delivered sultry, commanding performances, serving rock-and-roll edge with her leafy green ensemble and fiery red locks. Later in the night, she transformed into a punk princess with fishnet details and a schoolgirl skirt, proving her versatility as a performer. Luxy Charms embodied pure theatricality, first appearing as a devilish rocker in a Kiss crop-top, and later switching to a more refined, black and white aesthetic, all while maintaining her signature clown-inspired look.

Cecil Cecropia was a powerhouse of punk and rebellion, first in an all-black rocker ensemble and later embracing a DIY aesthetic with an oversized sweatshirt, safety pins, and skull-themed accessories. And of course, Hudson Bae himself was a sight to behold, first in a blue jester’s garb complete with a white ruff, then in a striking white ruffled shirt and platinum wig, playfully wielding a “#1 Daddy” coffee mug.

Fashion Fit for Royalty

The night wasn’t just about the performances—it was also a visual spectacle. Themed outfits added an extra layer of excitement, with each performer embodying their own take on royal flair. The audience, too, played their part, arriving in their best regal attire, transforming the venue into a full-blown royal court. Whether clad in crowns, flowing gowns, or medieval-inspired finery, the crowd fully embraced the theme, making the event feel like a grand festival.

A Night to Remember

With a packed house, stellar performances, and a birthday celebration fit for a king, Hudson’s Royal Court proved to be a night of unforgettable revelry. The camaraderie between performers and audience alike made the event feel intimate yet spectacular—a true testament to Windsor’s thriving drag community. As the night came to a close, the cast stayed on set to mingle with guests, ensuring that everyone had the chance to capture memories with their favorite royals.

Long live Hudson Bae and his court—until the next royal gathering!

Review by Kevin Blondin
Photos by Liana Anselmo

Lights, Laughs, and Luxy!

February 14, 2025
WINDSOR, Ontario

A 50s Sitcom Brought to Life

There’s something magical about stepping into a time warp, and on Valentine’s Day, Windsor’s Temple Ballroom became a living, breathing 1950s television set. I Love Luxy, an original concept by Epoxy with co-production by Temple Blooms Productions, starred the incomparable Luxy Charms, and delivered a side-splitting spoof of vintage sitcoms, complete with live skits, improv, and lip-sync performances that kept the audience roaring with laughter.

Table of Contents:

• A Mock-Live Filming Experience

• A Cast of Colorful (or Grayscale) Characters

• Nosey Neighbours and Interactive Comedy

• A Perfect Valentine’s Day Treat

A Mock-Live Filming Experience

The show kicked off just after 8 PM, instantly immersing the audience in the black-and-white world of classic television. With a set designed to resemble a 50s-style home and a cast decked out in grayscale costumes, I Love Luxy brilliantly recreated the aesthetic of vintage TV. The night was packed with raunchy yet playful humor, over-the-top performances, and cleverly executed skits that paid homage to the golden age of sitcoms.

A Cast of Colorful (or Grayscale) Characters

At the heart of the show was Luxy Charms, the unhinged housewife whose home became a revolving door for outrageous visitors. Epoxy and Iddy Oats set the stage as charismatic TV hosts, while a wild lineup of characters—including Belle Vyra as an alien from Mars, Airress as a bohemian beatnik, and Cecil Cecropia as the ever-reliable milkman—kept the laughs rolling. Lua and Mercury Retrograde, playing the nosey neighbours, provided some of the night’s most hilarious moments with their constant surveillance and judgmental expressions.

Nosey Neighbours and Interactive Comedy

The audience interaction was one of the show’s standout elements. During intermission, Lua and Mercury Retrograde remained in character, peeking through the window with binoculars while casually ironing the curtains—a detail that had the crowd in stitches. The commitment to character and the immersive nature of the performance made the experience even more engaging.

A Perfect Valentine’s Day Treat

By the time the final act wrapped, the audience was left in awe of the sheer talent and comedic timing displayed throughout the night. To top it off, the cast stayed on set for a post-show meet-and-greet, allowing guests to snap photos with their favorite characters. Erica Spotton captured the night’s best moments, ensuring the magic of I Love Luxy would live on beyond the stage.

A Nostalgic Night to Remember

With its perfect blend of camp, chaos, and classic TV nostalgia, I Love Luxy was an absolute triumph. Whether you came for the laughs, the lip-syncs, or the sheer absurdity of it all, one thing’s for sure—this was a night Windsor won’t soon forget.

Review by Kevin Blondin
Photos by Eri Spotton