COMEDY
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BIANCO DEL RIO RuPaul’s Drag Race winner brings us her latest claws-out stand-up show Charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent: the competitors were aiding her in the competition, all-important quartet of qualities needed to be she quipped, ‘well, they’re all helping me out by crowned winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Since being horrible and making me look better’). the show’s premiere in 2009, there have been outstanding contestants, epic lip-syncs and some serious throwing of shade, not to mention jaw-dropping transformations. But in eight seasons, no one has left an impression quite like Bianca Del Rio (real name Roy Haylock), the self-proclaimed cross between ‘Joan Crawford and Bozo the Clown’. Del Rio has since received a plethora of attention, not just for her drag but for her quick-witted comedy which has led to a sell-out stand-up tour, TV specials and a feature-length film, Hurricane Bianca, with Alan Cumming and Margaret Cho.
As the winner of season six, Del Rio’s razor- sharp sense of humour was quick to win over legions of fans who appreciated her cutting commentary and always brutal insults. Viewers warmed to some moments of kindness towards the other queens, even though she came armed with one-liners from her fictional ‘Rolodex of Hate’ (when asked by RuPaul about whether her 52 THE LIST 1 Feb–31 Mar 2017
Not Today Satan – her trademark catchphrase and the title of this new stand-up tour – has Del Rio descending upon Scotland, having already won over audiences in Australia and the United States. Expect much of the familiar un-PC ruthless banter, hilarious anecdotes and savage jibes from America’s finest comedy queen. (Arusa Qureshi) ■ Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Sat 11 Feb; SECC, Glasgow, Sun 12 Feb.