Every month, the Bougie Drag Brunch event makes it's way around the whole of the UK.
Boasting a huge following, with some big name guest performers coming in and making a mark, I was super excited to get stuck in and to understand what all the fuss was about.
Off the bat, the show had good marks from me due to the set up. From pyrotechnics, screens and a great lighting set up, the event screamed professionalism which is not the blueprint to a standard drag show. It felt like a first class experience that was really worth the £50 price tag.
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This particular event, as we were in Cardiff, featured some iconic Welsh queens which was great to see. Cardiff legend Jolene Dover was on DJ duties, and she provided the goods in the form of 90s bangers and pop classics to get the excitement started. The resident host for the evening was none other than Cara Melle. Hailing from the US originally but making her mark on London's drag scene, Cara is the best friend of RuPaul's Drag Race UK alum Tayce, who hails from Newport.
Cara's energy and quick wit reacting to the Welsh crowd in Depot was such a breath of fresh air. She served comedy, sexiness and personality which really put an edge on the event. It never got boring hearing her voice come through on the mic, and I'm sure some people would agree she was one of the best of the evening. Cara wowed with a killer Beyoncé number towards the end of the show, which really solidified her self-identifying 'Beyoncé of London' title.
The queens ranged from different backgrounds and styles, but I loved the inclusion of drag king, Chiyo, amongst the line up. Now, a drag king is a performer who portrays a heightened version of a masculine man, so the antithesis of a drag queen for example. Having a drag king perform to a Welsh crowd is something special. I know for a fact not a lot of people would know what to expect, but the cheering and response was touching and amazing to witness. It was amazing to see in action, but to see a drag queen and king perform 'Love Sex Magic' by Ciara and Justin Timberlake was such an iconic moment. To make it even better, Chiyo and drag queen Margo Marshall are actually a real life couple!
Now, a resident of the Bougie Drag crew was Kiki Snatch. And all I have to say is wow. Bringing an immense energy to the stage, Kiki got the crowd going and served phenomenal performances. Hitting the stage twice, her most memorable number to Rihanna is something I'll remember for a very long time. She showcased the splits, jumped off the stage multiple times and gave a chilling and mesmerizing move that can only be described as a back breaker. Such an entertaining queen that was fabulous with a rowdy Welsh crowd.
Occasionally making the line-ups are RuPaul's Drag Race UK queens, which is always a treat. Normally, to attend shows to see these queens, you'd have to attend a separate event altogether. To be able to see Vanity Milan and Elektra Fence from season 3 showcase their talents was incredible.
Elektra came out at a time when I think the crowd needed a little helping hand. And she did it quite literally. The 'pocket rocket' of UK drag, as she calls herself, raced around the venue giving a helping hand to people to drink their prosecco. And when it's bottomless, why would you mind?! From splits, sprints into splits and spinning heel kicks, Elektra and Vanity brought a burst of energy that RuPaul himself finds entertaining. A real treat to watch.
My favorite of the day has to go to the burlesque performing queen, Cleopantha. When someone brings out a rhinestone mop and bucket with lights and does a number to Cardi B's WAP, you know they mean business. Cleo's number had everyone on their feet, with an applause that had to be silenced by the host Cara. It was unusual and such an entertaining addition to an already incredible line up. Watching Cleo filled me with so much joy that would have been there with or without the prosecco.
Altogether, the show was so worth the money. Receiving a free food voucher to grab some grub from Depot's vendors was a real delicious bonus. The bottomless prosecco was always flowing, with magnums being handed around like nobody's business. The entertainment was varied and interesting that didn't get boring or repetitive. It's clear that the organizers are on to a winner and I really hope that they come to Wales more often. I need more already!
For more information about Bougie Drag Brunch, click here.
