The power of RuPaul’s Drag Race has been felt throughout the world, launching the international careers of over 100 drag queens. Teaming with club promoters Klub Kids, RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni Manila Luzon, Laganja Estranja, Gia Gunn, Dusty Ray Bottoms, Jasmine Masters, Plastique Tiara and ringleader in charge Alaska descended upon Albert Hall, Manchester for a night of roof-raising drag entertainment like no other.
There were several layers to this cake. On the surface, a sweetly served delectable delight of Drag Race veterans procured to seduce a sold out army of screaming show-goers. Beyond that however, what was presented was a slick well-oiled production with an array of circus entertainment, humour and tightly knit choreography. We didn’t know what we were in for, but what was served was delicious.
Alaska was a dream host; quietly confident, calm, quick-witted and with the power to command attention, adoration and rapturous applause. We particularly loved the audience question and answer panel. Alaska invited the audience in, but remained the centrepiece throughout. Her Britney Spears inspired I’m A Slave 4 U performance set the crowd into a frenzy whilst the majority of her time on stage was the perfect marriage of control and unpredictability that we have grown to love and expect from her over the years.
Other personal highlights from the night included a spine-tingling powerful display from Jasmine Masters who commandeered Jennifer Hudson’s version of And I Am Telling You to new heights. Marking International Trans Day of Visibility, Gia Gunn stripped off during her act to display her naked body proudly with mere glitter prettifications to cover her modesty. Dusty Ray Bottoms and Manila Luzon both performed their hit singles Neva Lavd Yah andGo Fish respectively and Laganja’s medley had her fans gasping for more.
Twisted Circus was a refreshing cocktail of drag and circus performers. Die hard drag fans were in heaven, but newbies would also struggle not to be entertained by this stage show.
4.5 / 5