RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Series 7 Tour, playing at Manchester’s Albert Hall, offered a variety show that showcased incredible individual talent but lacked the overall sparkle expected of the brand.
Series 1’s runner-up Divina De Campo was a brilliant choice for host: witty, funny, and a natural fan favourite who kept the energy moving even when the production faltered.
The performances were a diverse mix of styles. Viola was a major highlight, blending live violin and flute with an epic, cinematic Britney Spears remix that had a distinct Stranger Things and AC-DC vibe. Paige Three (P3) delivered what was arguably the best performance of the night with her ‘Circus’ and ‘Slave 4 U’ medley; she possesses genuine star charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent, and delivered high-energy choreography that hit every mark.
Other standouts included Chai T Grande’s 5-star futurist silver routine to ‘Machine Girl’, Sillexa Diction’s mesmerising “triple-face” outfit, and Tayris Montgari, who absolutely ate up the stage with her Megan Thee Stallion dance set.
The variety continued with Pasty’s humorous Susan Boyle impersonation, Bonnie Ann Clyde’s 1920s gold turban glamour, and Bones’ Lady Gaga-inspired silver look, complete with crutches and sparkling details. The show even featured original singing from Wales’ Catrin Feelings and Belfast’s Elle Boss, adding a traditional cabaret feel.
However, the production left much to be desired for a £60 ticket. The Albert Hall felt like the wrong venue choice, creating a sense of distance that prevented the chemistry between the queens and the audience from truly igniting. It didn’t have the energy of a lively gay club nor the pageantry of a fabulously decorated theatre. The stage was bare except for a background projector, giving the whole show a low-budget, slightly “off” feeling. The lighting frequently missed cues or failed to find the queens on stage, which further detracted from the professionalism. While the lip-sync pairs and group mashups like ‘Sound of the Underground’ were a nice touch, the show lacked the necessary “je ne sais quoi” to justify the high price tag. It was an entertaining night but it felt more like a standard drag cabaret than a true RuPaul-level spectacular extravaganza.
JADAR 