Ginger Johnson moved to London almost 20 years ago – and has come a long way from the little village in the north-east of England where she grew up. The drag artist, writer, theatre maker and “helium balloon in the shape of a woman” spent more than a decade enmeshed in London’s queer nightlife scene, where she was a pivotal part of the influential nightlife collective Sink the Pink (RIP), and amassed a cult following for her hilarious yet heartfelt solo shows.
Life kicked up a notch in 2023, when Johnson was crowned the winner of the fifth series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK; she then took the Celebrity Masterchef title in 2025. And now, as a follow-up to her smash hit solo show Ginger Johnson Blows Off, she’s back on stage with her new touring show, Show Pony.
In Show Pony, Johnson takes audiences on a psychedelic journey on her search for “love, light and the little horse that got away”. The ’70s-inflected show features original songs and a whole lot of artfully controlled chaos. But where does Johnson go when she needs a break from the bright lights and the glitter? Broadsheet asked her to share her favourite places to relax, eat, drink and catch drag.
What, to you, makes the perfect day off in London?
Sunday lunch at the historic Seven Stars on Carey Street and a chat with the resident cat (especially when he's wearing his ruff!) is pretty hard to beat.
Where is one of your favourite places to catch drag in London?
The Divine in Dalston is the best place to find the kind of weird and wonderful drag that makes the London drag scene so unique – you never know what you're going to find there, but it's always worth the trip.
Where do you go in London when you’re looking for creative inspiration?
I get most of my inspiration when I'm spending time in some of London's hidden green spaces. I love the Walthamstow Wetlands – an amazing oasis of calm and nature that wraps around you so beautifully that you wouldn’t believe how close you are to the big city.
For you, what’s the essential play, TV show, song, book or film about London?
I love the gothic horror of Sweeney Todd’s London and I’ve always dreamed of playing Mrs Lovett, even if her pies aren’t up to Masterchef standard.
Do you have a favourite London restaurant? What is it and why?
Primeur in Stoke Newington is one of my all-time favourite places to eat. The menu is constantly changing with lots of lovely, seasonal surprises. Go with a couple of friends and order one of everything – you won't be disappointed!
What’s a recent cultural outing that you’ve particularly loved in London?
Dina Martina’s Halloween show was an absolute SCREAM. Dina is one of my favourite drag performers – a true one-off who has to be seen to be believed – so I never miss the opportunity to catch her when she's in town.
Once you’ve finished a show in the evening in central London, where do you like to go for food or a drink nearby?
There’s nowhere better for a post-show pint than the Soho Theatre bar. With multiple shows playing each night across its three stages, there’s always such an exciting atmosphere in the bar as the different crowds file in and out, mixing pre-show expectation and post-show chatter.
If you want to impress someone, where would you take them?
For a delicious cocktail and a slice of art deco glamour, I love Bar Americain at Zedel.
Where do you go for coffee or tea?
I’m not much of a tea or coffee drinker, but my entire immune system is propped up on Pret’s ginger shots, naturally.
What are your favourite shops around London? Any good finds recently?
I love to go hunting for sequins in the fabric shops in Walthamstow. There’s always a bargain to be had and you never know what gems you’ll find. I design and make all of my own costumes for stage and most of it comes from there.
Where do you head when you need a break from London?
I moved to London almost 20 years ago and I haven’t felt like I need a break from it yet, but New York is my favourite place to visit when I have the time – I love the energy and creativity of a big city.
What makes London so amazing to live in? Anyone or anything you’d like to shout out that’s making it a better place right now?
When I first moved to London, the nightlife scene became my home – it’s where I found my feet and my community. For all sorts of reasons, the nightlife industry is really struggling right now and we’re at risk of losing one of the most exciting things about the city. To quote a London nightlife legend Jeffrey Hinton, “When in doubt, go out.”
Show Pony runs at the Soho Theatre from now until November 7, then continues on a national tour.
