The RuPaul’s Drag Race UK series 3 tour strutted into Newcastle on Wednesday style to prove that drag talent never goes out of style, whatever the season.
On the same day that the cast for the next run of the massively successful home grown spin -off of the worldwide phenomenon was revealed, the queens from last time round showed they’re not ready to relinquish the spotlight quite yet with a show that had it all - from high fashion to high camp.
It was great to see each of the season 3 contestants given a opportunity to show what they can do and all of them grabbed the chance with gusto. It can often be hard for a queen, given the structure of Drag Race, with its tried and tested format and themed challenges, to really show what they’re all about, but the numbers in the tour were a great springboard for each and every one’s personality and undeniable talent.
READ MORE: Sam Fender adds second St James' Park date after ticket frenzy
While she may have been given the boot first last year, Anubis wholeheartedly showed why Ru may have made the wrong call with a well edited and finely executed number, whole returning queen Veronica Green displayed her vocal chops with an operatic double header that was totally deserving of the standing ovation it received.
River Medway brought all the fun and exuberance that made BBC viewers fall in love with her. Never thought I’d see the day a Hannah Montana medley would make a Drag Race tour setlist, but it totally worked.
While of course there were cheers for every single performer at O2 City Hall Newcastle’s on Wednesday night, the loudest were reserved for the city’s adopted icon, the one and only Choriza May. The diva with the best name in drag won Drag Idol Newcastle two years before her Drag Race stardom and probed exactly why the Geordies couldn’t get enough of her from the get-go with an eclectic medley which made every gay’s Christmases come at once. Put High School Musical, Chicago and Eurovision in the same number while being the living embodiment of the dancing lady emoji and you will get the kind of reaction Choriza received on home turf. And the end of the show brought a really touching moment when her home crowd would not stop cheering for her. Choriza, we love you pet!
The well oiled City Hall crowd were well up for a party and that’s precisely what the utterly fabulous Victoria Scone and the effortlessly acrobatic Elektra Fence gave them in abundance, with Victoria delivering a high octane Rocky Horror medley, before Elektra left fans wanting seconds after her smorgasbord of 90s pop anthems brought act one to a close.
The second half was just as entertaining as the first. As the well shared meme proclaims Scarlett Harlett had the audience wanted to ‘kick the door off its hinges’ when the words “Let’s go girls” sounded out around the room, before going from Shania to the Cheeky Girls, complete with the original Monica and Gabriella choreo!
Just as she was on the show, Charity Kase was both creepy and captivating, as the dame of dark and twisted drag ensured all eyes were on her. Vanity Milan gave a performance every Drag Race fan would want from the polished and poised performer we saw grow in confidence with each new episode last year.
Kitty Scott Klaus was the ultimate hun with a Spice Girls flavoured sundae of drag deliciousness, going from Spice Up Your Life, into Emma Bunton solo bop Maybe before an Olympics 2012 closing ceremony finale. Fellow finalist Ella Vaday was a diva dripping in diamonds as she meshed Sam Smith with Moulin Rouge to great aplomb.
And the evening's final star turn came from reigning Drag Race champion Krystal Versace who was a fantastic fashionista as she took centre stage for a number which now only showcased her stunning silhouette but also her striking stage presence.
The show was a pick n mix of everything that makes the UK version of Drag Race the national treasure its become. It was fun, it was fierce and full of finesse.
*The Drag Race UK season 3 tour continues until October 16, including shows in Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, London and Stockton. Tickets are available online from Cuffe & Taylor.
*Geordie Shore cast take over Boiler Shop for huge reunion party
*Sam Fender's St James Park's support acts confirmed
*From open mics and takeover cans to St James' gig - Sam Fender, he's one of our own
*Eurovision star David Ducasse working in South Shields vets as he teases Scooch comeback
