Drag royalty took over Liverpool last night - and what a show it was.
All 12 queens from series four of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK shared the stage at the Empire Theatre including fan-favourites Jonbers Blonde, Cheddar Gorgeous and Dakota Schiffer.
The Monday, April 24, show kicked off by teleporting the audience back in time to different eras all whilst having a modern and fresh twist. Swiftly alternating between ABBA from the 70s, Cyndi Lauper in the 80s and more recent hits - Miley Cryus’ Flowers - it’s fair to say there was something for everyone.
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The crowd was treated to an introduction of each and every queen but by the sound of it, no introduction was needed as each performer was met with a roaring crowd that only got louder as the night went on.
Led by series four winner, Merseyside’s own Danny Beard, each act was given a chance to showcase their charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent - and not a single beat was missed. From the opening number, the show was jam-packed with dance routines that told a deeper story, light-hearted comedy and fashion Miranda Priestly would die for.
There were some standout moments for sure with Dakota Schiffer delivering an emotional performance of Lana Del Rey’s Young and Beautiful, Le Fil taking to the stage with a loud and clear message: Stop Asian hate, and Cheltenham’s Copper Topp confirming her status as a powerhouse vocalist.
Each number was completed with a group of four backup dancers who left me out of breath just looking at them. Despite being on stage for the majority of the show, their passion and attitude never slipped once.
At a time when drag and LGBTQ+ rights - particularly trans rights - are under attack, the event was a stark reminder there is a community and a safe space out there.
Ending the show was renowned drag queen Danny Beard. The 30-year-old from Halewood adorned a Cruella-esque inspired look and had the audience on their feet screaming out Adele as if it were them who went through her divorce.
The eager crowd knew they were in for one final show-stopping number when Danny practised their own version of a “vocal warm” - an elongated puff on their raspberry-flavoured vape.
The feeling of love and unity peaked when Danny shed the spotlight on a couple, Dan and Jack, as Jack said yes to Dan’s all-important question: “Will you marry me?”. Standing there cheering with the rest of the audience members for two complete strangers made me realise RuPaul wasn’t lying when he said “Love can conquer all”.
When Danny, a former Britain's Got Talent star, didn’t have everyone waving their phone flashlights in the air, they had us on the verge of tears as Danny took a moment to thank their home city for the support. Danny explained how they never thought this would be a reality for them and recalled being an audience member in the very same theatre growing up.
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