A series of Friday night filmic feasts showcasing cinema with bite: edgy movies and fan favourites that unnerve, push buttons, ask questions, or simply look good on the big screen!
Cult Classics with Venus Mantrap 2026 Movie Lineup
The Lair of the White Worm
Ken Russell’s campy horror of vampire snakes set in the English countryside. Seductive drag, film geekery and cult classics for an electric night out. Each event features a pre-screening live performance by drag artist Venus Mantrap in our beautiful art deco Arc Cinema.
1988 | R18+ | DCP | UK, USA | D: Ken Russell
A young archaeologist (Peter Capaldi) meets Lady Sylvia Marsh (Amanda Donohoe) in rural Derbyshire and uncovers her links to an ancient serpent cult; and Lord James D’Ampton (Hugh Grant) is soon drawn in. Adapted from a Bram Stoker novel, this absurd horror blends sexist tastelessness with plenty of phallic farce.
‘Director Ken Russell is at his kinky best in this horror story that is adult in its thrills, humor and sexuality.’ – Chicago Tribune
Our Cult Classics screenings are often interactive and always full of laughs and surprises. Leave your serious side at home and enjoy a movie night with a twist. And probably a shimmy.
YOUR HOST VENUS MANTRAP
Photo by: Cassie Abraham
Venus Mantrap is an androgynous construct whose roots are firmly planted in the world of drag. Exploring aspects of cabaret, performance art and comedy during live shows, Mantrap has produced The Bowie Ball and starred in two one-person-shows: Life, Love and Lip Syncing and Valley of the Molls.
Venus is regularly found at Smith's Alternative as the MC of Cabaret Voltaireand has been a featured artist at Glitterbox, LGBTIQ+ Elders Dance Club, Drag Cabaret and Finucane and Smith's touring show Dancehall. Follow them on Instagram at @the_venus_mantrap
Life • Love • Lip Syncing on Ngunawal | Ngambri country
Venus Mantrap @the_venus_mantrap
Host of FRIGHT NIGHT @nfsaonline
Emcee SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION @smithsalternative
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