I've got a confession to make - I've never seen a single episode of RuPaul's Drag Race.
The popular show boasts a legion of loyal fans and sees drag legend RuPaul and a panel of expert judges on the hunt for America's next drag superstar, with the UK version following the same premise to crown our country's next drag icon.
Hosted by RuPaul with an impressive judging panel made up of Graham Norton, Michelle Visage and Alan Carr, the first UK season debuted in 2019 to great acclaim. A second season quickly followed, though production was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.
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Four queens made it to the final, with Lawrence Chaney, from Scotland, being crowned the winner ahead of runners-up Bimini Bon Boulash and Tayce.
The series two tour has taken the UK by storm, with drag queens from the hit competitive reality series donning platforms, wigs and sequins up and down the country after more than a year of delays due to the pandemic.
Last night, stars from across the series took to the stage at Liverpool's Empire Theatre and gave every single person in the auditorium a night they'll never forget.
I had worried being a Drag Race newbie would prevent me from enjoying the show or understanding the mass hysteria present in the theatre, but I was wrong.
From start to finish, the show was a wild riot packed with comedy, elaborate dance numbers, flawless makeup and artistry, not to mention the four necessary elements each queen must display in order to stand a chance of winning the show; charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent. Naturally, it doubles up as an acronym that's deliciously on brand.
There were some standout moments, with the hilarious Ginny Lemon asking for packets of crisps from the audience and stuffing them into a bag adorned with pictures of Princess Diana, before launching into the shockingly relatable original song I Am Over My Overdraft.
Liverpool local Sister Sister had the audience enraptured while A'Whora got everyone on their feet, dancing, cheering and partying in complete unity. It was a complete mood boost and I didn't want it to end.
The routine by season two finalist Ellie Diamond was entertaining though somewhat underwhelming. She donned a Cat in the Hat costume and performed alongside the show's exceptionally talented dancers, kitted out in Thing 1 and Thing 2 costumes, but I didn't feel like I'd seen any of her own creativity - the costumes and concept all belong to Dr Seuss and the creators of the 2003 film adaptation. I felt like I'd missed something and wondered if this was where having not the seen the show was proving to be a problem but my friend and devoted Drag Race follower, who accompanied me to the show, felt the same way.
Finalist Tayce was impossibly entertaining and elegant, with a futuristic routine that was risqué and unique. She looked like a model from the pages of Vogue - though the vulgar robotic animation emblazoned on the screen behind her added a hilarious and wild element not commonly associated with the fashion bible.
A special mention must go to Bimini Bon Boulash who strutted out in fish net tights, a leopard print coat and blonde wig reminiscent of an early 80s punk legend, delighting the audience with a fierce and relentless performance. They dominated the stage with the energy and charisma of a superstar that's been selling out auditoriums for decades. I can't wait to see what they do next.
Series two winner Lawrence Chaney hosted the evening with an ease, naturalism and infectious comedic charm. The show concluded with a well deserved standing ovation.
The entire evening was sheer, unadulterated entertainment and escapism. "Condragulations", Drag Race UK, I am a fully converted follower and fan.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK: The Series 3 Tour has been confirmed and will be visiting theatres and arenas across England, Scotland and Wales, with all 12 queens from Series Three of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. It will return to Liverpool M&S Bank Arena on September 16.
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