As Danny Beard, the latest winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, took to the Opera House stage on Wednesday night (April 19) as part of the show’s season four tour, it was clear it was going to be an emotional yet memorable night for everyone involved.
Originally from Liverpool, the drag star essentially cut her teeth as a performer in Manchester’s Gay Village, just like runner-up Cheddar Gorgeous and ‘Manchester mannequin’ Sminty Drop. For the three queens, it was a homecoming gig that felt long overdue and one that the crowd was ready to soak themselves in from the minute the show got underway.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is a cultural phenomenon at this point and has launched careers for the likes of Lawrence Chaney, Divina de Campo, The Vivienne, Bimini and Vanity Milan. Season four’s batch of queens showed Manchester what they’re made of by waltzing, strutting, stomping and shante-ing their way through individual numbers oozing with talent and showing why they’re right up there with the best of the best.
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From a Geri Halliwell medley by Just May, a rock-out number by Copper Topp, a Kylie Minogue Showgirls-inspired dazzlethon from Starlet and a demonised Barbie performance from Sminty Drop, there was variety in spades.
It’s something that makes drag so delicious as an audience member - it comes in a variety of shapes and sizes - and there’s no better way of showing off the power of the art form than with a Drag Race tour.
Chinese pop star Le Fil delivered one of the most creative performances of the night with a dazzling outfit and a powerful message about stopping Asian hate all tightly packaged together in a well-choreographed number.
My personal season favourite Dakota Schiffer delivered utter beauty with a Lana Del Ray and RAYE number that brought the drama while Baby, who sensationally left season four halfway through, proved they really are one to beat with a high-energy performance to their song PSYCHOPARTY.
Jonbers Blonde delivered a fun Miley Cyrus number before also turning up the party with an original track, while Pixie Polite performed a Little Mix medley with their own track also squeezed in for good measure.
Birmingham’s Black Peppa, who has already dazzled this city-region in the past with show-stopping appearances at Manchester Pride, brought a mix of Cirque du Soleil with Saint Martin culture for a Beyonce number that really shone a light on how much of an effortless talent she is. Seriously, get a ticket to the next Black Peppa show - you won't be disappointed.
For Cheddar Gorgeous, who received a rapturous applause whenever they appeared on stage, it was an alien-esque number with one of the most jaw-dropping outfits of the night. A space oddity, it was bizarre, bewildering, beautiful and bonkers and is sure to be something that stays in the minds of audiences for a while to come.
Last but not least, reigning queen Danny Beard proved she really is a tour-de-force when it comes to wit, artistry, and sheer talent. And she also just so happens to have an amazing singing voice to boot too.
It’d be a brave move for any popstar to take on an Adele song, but Danny manages not just one but three as if it’s no big deal and has the audience in her hands from the moment the first song kicks in. Whether singing or delivering quick-witted one-liners (“Don’t boo Covid, we don’t know her!”), it was clear that the huge response from Manchester really hit Danny hard.
Having been one of the lucky ones to see Danny and Cheddar grow as performers in Manchester’s queer night scene at venues like Poptastic and Cha Cha Boudoir over the years, it really was a special moment to see them both captivating the stage and being engulfed in such praise and positivity.
At a time where the art of drag is being contested, the Drag Race UK season four tour really feels like a prime example of why drag can be so valuable, enjoyable and important. I dare anyone to come to the show and not feel uplifted. It’s impossible.
The RuPaul's Drag Race UK season four tour continues across the UK. Tickets here.
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