Columbia, South Carolina, marked the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show in October with a drag king-led performance. The event took place at The New Brookland Tavern and included five shows between October 8 and October 22, 2025. It attracted members of the drag community and local fans interested in a new interpretation of the film.
The show was organized by Columbia Kings N’ Things, a group founded in 2022 by drag king Han D. Mann. Mann also played the role of Rocky. The organization supports drag kings, hyper-queens, and androgynous performers, offering opportunities for both experienced and new artists. Mann moved to Columbia to find a drag king community and has seen the group grow since its founding.
Mann notes that drag kings and queens share a common art form but often differ in performance style and themes. Drag king acts often focus on conceptual stories and are influenced by sapphic and lesbian communities. This contrasts with drag queen performances, which often reflect gay male culture. Both forms use satire to address gender roles and social norms…