Drag icon to visit South Square for a wuther like no other
An award-winning Drag Queen will visit South Square this month for an immersive evening of fun, entertainment and wuther. Kate Butch, best known for competing on Series 5 of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, will make a guest appearance at South Square Centre in Thornton on 25 July for Wuthering Nights. This special event marks the birthdays of Emily Brontë and Kate Bush and celebrates Thornton’s Brontë connections.
Kate Butch is an experienced stand-up comedian and ‘professional menace to society’, enjoying sold-out Edinburgh runs of her shows Kate if You Wanna Go Butcher and Wuthering Shites. Wuthering Nights attendees can expect a hearty dose of the British Drag Queen’s comedy paired with her unique style of performance art, alongside an extra special Wuthering dance-a-long, facepainting, dress up, a DJ and more.
Kate Butch said:
“I’m delighted to be heading to the wily, windy moors of Bradford for an evening of Bushy fun this July. As my namesake suggests, I’m a massive fan of all things Kate Bush, and I can’t wait to get my wuther on in the very heart of Brontë country. Expect a performance that’s camp, chaotic and full of drama – just like Kate Bush and the Brontës. Come and join the fun!”
Thornton is famous for being the birthplace of the Emily Brontë, the author of literary classic, Wuthering Heights. Singer Kate Bush was born on the same day over a century later and went on to pen the world changing pop song of the same name, inspired by Brontë’s novel.
Wuthering Nights is an opportunity to celebrate these two feminist figures, together with Thornton’s literary heritage. It also provides a chance to celebrate the Wondering Heights project led by artist, Lucy Barker, as part of the Bradford 2025 Artist-led Project Awards programme. Wondering Heights inspires exploration, imagination, and joyful movement, through an inclusive Wuthering Heights inspired dance routine.
Domino Panton-Oakley, Programme and Gallery Manager at South Square Centre, said:
“We’re excited to be holding our Wuthering Nights event on 25 July to celebrate the birthdays of Brontë and Bush – two exceptional women with strong ties to Thornton village. We’re even more excited to be joined by the legendary Kate Butch – a true icon who we’re sure will bring her own style of theatrical flair to an already wuthering night!
So, Brontë/ Bush fans, join us from 5.30pm for a one‑of‑a‑kind cultural celebration in the heart of Bradford. Don your red dresses, grab those billowing blouses and straighten up those cravats – it’s going to be a night like no other.”
Wuthering Nights takes place on Friday 25 July 2025, 5.30 – 10.00pm at South Square Centre. With limited space in our Grade II listed heritage building, just a stone’s throw from the Brontë’s birthplace, tickets are limited, and booking is essential.