Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannibal Lickher.
Hi Hannibal, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Not to give away my age, haha. I got my start in Wilmington, Delaware with a small group of Drag Kings. We performed at a hole in the wall bar that unfortunately no longer exists. I took a break in my mid 20s to reevaluate my persona and came back a few years later with Hannibal Lickher. I said yes to almost every gig even if it was just a tip spot or donated time. I competed in 2019 for Mr. Philly Drag King and won, and then because of Covid I became the longest reigning Mr. PDK in history. I started producing about six years ago because I wanted to see more Drag King’s featured in shows. I wanted to bring Drag and burlesque and other forms of art together to create an experience that I hadn’t seen fully in the scene yet. I continue to support Drag King’s, Masc., and Drag royalty by hiring performers that identify as such and showing up to shows to give my support.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There were definitely struggles along the way. Creating a full persona that I knew I could bring to the forefront and building this character before performing in front of people full time took some time to build. Trying to get booked and to be noticed by other producers and venues was a constant battle. Once I won the title for Mr. PDK I did notice a change in conversations with people and meeting new people. I really did work my butt off to get noticed, to create a brand and a persona that people could remember. I’ve attended classes, done open mics nights and basically put myself out there to learn from mistakes and grow as a performer.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Part-time painter and baker enthusiast, and I am a part-time Producer and a Drag King. I’m known for bringing pop culture themes to the stage. Sexy, creepy and fun are words that have been used to describe me as a performer. I’m proud of myself for elevating the Drag King scene here in Philadelphia into what it has become. Continuing to feature performers of all kinds in my shows is big thing in my book, everyone should have a chance to shine. I think what sets me apart is every show is meticulously thought about down to the fine details of what would the cast experience, as well as my stage crew, and of course the audience. There really is a science to it. I want everyone to have a great experience working with me and a little something to talk about after the audience has seen a show or performance from me.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love Philadelphia so much. There’s always something to do, a great place to eat at, a fun show to check out and free things to experience. There is a long-standing history here and I’ve been here for over 20 years for a reason.
I will say the least likable things about Philadelphia is the severity and need for proper Bike laws to be in place to protect cyclists, to do away with kill shelters and have funding so that animals get a chance at a good life. And the continuance of low funding or cutting out programs that do not help flourish the younger generation, the unhoused and those suffering from addictions or in need.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/hanniballickher
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannibal.lickher/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/hanniballickher/
