A joy-fuelled, sequin-spattered gender journey of self discovery, as Canal Street Kings founder, trans trailblazer and international cabaret renegade Hunter King presents his debut musical, A Northern Tr*nny Hootenanny, ‘maid in the wild, wild, north west’.
Inspired by Hunter’s real-life transition and the transformative power of drag, this foot-stomping, pun-slinging hoedown tells the tale of a milkmaid on a mission to discover their authentic self. After setting off from their small town and thinking they’ve finally found freedom, they meet a mysterious man with a moustache and a secret — and suddenly, self-discovery gets a whole lot hairier.
Expect epic musical parodies, dazzling vocals, unashamedly terrible puns, “a scene stealing cow”, and a “hootenanny with heart” (Canal St Online, 2025).
Commissioned by Waterside Arts and Creative Industries Trafford.
Content Warnings
The show contains themes of gender dysphoria and bullying, strong language and really bad puns.
The show also contains amplified sound, sudden loud sounds (gun shot sound effects), flashing lights, blackouts and optional (but encouraged) audience participation.
Hay and hay bales are also used in the setting and seating area of this performance.
The Team
Producer, Writer and Performer - Hunter King
Creative Producer, Mentor and Access Consultant - Ash Cox
Creative Access Support - Dr Emma Marie Williams
Story Consultant - KC Finn
Creative Associate - Ari Abendstern
Associate Lyricist - Adam O’Shea
Sound Design and Audio Post Production - Owain Kelly
Movement Consultant - Lizard Morris (Plaster Cast)
Costume - Max Burton
Props - Ellesy Art and Max Burton
BSL Interpreter - Tracie Redshaw
Creative Industries Trafford, Theatre Development Producer - Sam Danson
Additional character voices by Ari Abendstern, Chris Markham, KC Finn, Owain Kelly, Oliver Dunkley, Max Burton, Oliver Jones, Lucian Valentine, Glen O’Carolan, Ash Cox
Mentoring and support from Luke Skillbeck (Milk Presents), Bourgeois & Maurice, Kit Lambert, Nathaniel J Hall & Ross Carey (Dibby Theatre)
With thanks to Barry Priest, Hope Mill Theatre, Canal Street Kings and everyone at Waterside and Pride in Trafford.