RuPaul's Drag Race UK has took the country, and the world, by storm. With the first season aired in late 2019, the show showcased the humour and uniqueness of UK drag across the board, with Wales-born The Vivienne taking home the crown. Season two was a bit of a stir, with the show being aired at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Giving way to global superstars such as Newport's Tayce and Bimini, it seemingly overtook the US version in popularity showcasing the immense drag talent here on our shores.
As season three came around, Victoria Scone made two incredible firsts: representing Cardiff and being the first cisgender female to appear on the entire franchise. Although she didn't go all that far in the competition, Victoria's time on the show has made ripples all over the world and she is often still in Cardiff entertaining eager crowds.
But as season four has just been announced, it's hard to feel the Welsh spirit without any Welsh queens actually being on the franchise this year. While we would welcome someone born elsewhere and starting drag in Wales, there are none to choose from. So, in light of the lack of Welsh drag appearing on the show this year, we decided to compile a list of some of Wales' most exciting drag stars that we think deserve to have a chance on the TV programme in future series. We'll be including drag kings too, hoping the show will branch out in the future to accommodate them. In no particular order, here are some of Wales' most exciting drag acts.
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Jolene Dover
Jolene Dover is one of Cardiff's most well-known drag acts by far. With a theatre training background that helped shape her drag, Jolene is a perfect blend of both old school and new school drag. A talented performer, she has often taken to the main stage of Pride Cymru where she has sang both original and cover songs. From being involved with advertisements for businesses to even hosting her own television show a few years ago, Jolene continues to grow her talents year after year and would be a joy to see on future seasons of Drag Race UK. Not to mention, one of the best names (if you get the pun!).
Polly Amorous
Polly made her debut back in 2015. With her origins nestled in the more alternative avenues of drag, Polly has become known by many as a starlet on the rise in Cardiff and around the country. Taking part in Jolene's Drag Race, a local competition held at Pulse night club, Polly stood out and quickly developed a loyal following. Whilst she would be the first to admit that her aesthetic wasn't the best back in the day, she has gone on to host the mainstage of Pride Cymru, worked with the Welsh Government and been involved with countless media opportunities. With a residency in multiple locations in Wales' capital, Polly Amorous is a joy to the community and a starlet on the rise.
Marmalade
Based in Cardiff, Marmalade is a vision. Designing clothes for the likes of Victoria Scone and other high profile drag acts all over the UK, and with a stunning social media presence, Marmalade often creates her own looks which are nothing less of exceptional. Performing at huge venues such as The Clapham Grand in London, Marmalade shows that looks can be deceiving. With performances consisting of sultry burlesque numbers, Marmalade is as sweet as they come.
Justin Drag
Probably the most well-known drag king in Wales at the moment, Justin Drag is a workaholic and talented act. Recently 'marrying' his other half Polly Amorous, Justin has gone on to take the country by storm. Providing live vocals and hosting skills on a weekly basis multiple times a week, Justin has worked extremely hard to bring the talents of drag kings to the forefront of drag culture here in Wales. Whilst RuPaul's Drag Race UK doesn't accommodate drag kings yet, Justin would be a frontrunner if Mama Ru decided to change the rules. We'll be waiting (and supporting!).
Connie Orff
Connie Orff is the bilingual drag queen with her heart in theatre and Welsh-speaking shows and productions. Featuring on our WalesOnline Pinc List 2022, Connie is a talented queen with the potential to showcase authentic bilingual Welsh content on the TV screens of the nation. She has often hit the stage of the Wales Millennium Centre providing live vocals and theatre.
Mary Golds
Mary Golds is a legend on the Cardiff scene. Performing regularly at the Golden Cross, she is a seasoned performer with old-school grit and talent to keep a rowdy crowd entertained. Sporting gorgeous gowns, Mary provides live vocals and a promise of a great show. Working multiple days per week up and down the country, Mary's appearance on a show like Drag Race UK would showcase the showgirls that really shaped and paved the way of modern drag today.
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