LGBT / Drag
Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard brings tour to Bristol
Bristol’s drag scene has grown since lockdown restrictions were lifted in 2021.
With new collectives diversifying the community, the city’s profile is rising on the national radar.
Internationally acclaimed drag performers including Symone, Jessica Wild and the cast of Rupaul’s Drag Race UK vs the World Season 2 have recently visited the city.
is needed now More than ever
The latest star to visit Bristol is Rupaul’s Drag Race UK Season 4 Winner, Radio 1 presenter and star podcaster Danny Beard.
Danny met with Bristol24/7 to discuss their upcoming show, Straight Expectations, coming to the Redgrave Theatre in Clifton on September 8.
The show will feature Danny performing live vocals alongside a five-piece band.
All of the performers in Danny’s band are queer.
“There ain’t no other drag queen in the UK performing like this. There might be one or two other drag queens with a band. But do they sing live? Do they write their own jokes? Sorry, that’s shady!” said Danny, chuckling.
Danny won Season 4 of Rupaul’s Drag Race UK, solidifying them as one of the best drag performers in the country – photo: Ben Ephgrave
Straight Expectations will highlight Danny’s infectious humour and charisma.
In Danny’s words, “it’s rude, it’s crude, do not bring your kids. But do bring your nan! Because she’ll probably be surprised and like it.”
Danny is exited about bringing their show to Bristol, not least because one of their favourite comedians – Jayde Adams – is from here.
Danny added: “I love Bristol, and its – please forgive me when you read this – how do you describe it?
“Rough around the edges, hippie vibe, that’s really cool, how do I say that? Shabby chic! Everyone’s really lovely here.
“I used to work at The Gin Palace a lot, on Old Market, back when it was open. It was really fun, I loved the vibe there, and I got an insight into what Bristolians like.
I know they love a sing-a-long, and they’ll be able to do that when they come and see me.”
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The UK’s queer community has often been at the forefront of public conversation due in part to the ‘culture wars’ which erupted during the recent Conservative government.
Danny said: “People have jumped on bandwagons, trying to keep drag queens away from performing for children. My show is not suitable for kids, but that doesn’t mean all drag is unsuitable for a family environment.
“People have always been entertained by drag, from Mrs. Doubtfire to men in wigs playing women in pantomimes.”
They continued: “I just think gender has become a hot topic, and a touchy topic for the right wing. But drag queens have always been at the forefront of pushing boundaries. My show isn’t necessarily a political show, but there’s definitely political elements to it.”
Danny hosts a weekly podcast, Gossip Gays, and regularly collaborates with other queer creators.
Danny said: “Everywhere I go, I get to mix with gays. I live in a gay bubble, and I’m so happy with that,
“I’d love it if we could take over somewhere in the UK. Like the Isle of Wight. Why don’t we just kick everyone else off, and call it the Isle of Rainbows?
“That would be my ideal place to live. That’s basically what’s happened in Bristol right? Post covid, the gays are beginning to take over.”
Talking about their show, Danny explained how performing feels like a superpower.
They said: “I make people laugh and put on all of these clothes that look absolutely fabulous (and cost an absolute fortune). Maybe I’m more of a super villain, because I can be nasty!
“All I want is for people to leave feeling elated. Everyone’s got so much going on – cost of living, the Tories, the rise of the right in the streets. I just want people to know it’s a safe space, and you can come as you are, and how you want to be.”
On each stop of their tour, Danny will be doing meet and greets.
Danny loves doing them and, on previous tours, has been thanked by several fans for bringing internationally acclaimed drag to their cities.
Danny said: “Even people who had been dragged by their partners or family loved it. You know, they have an expectation of what a drag show is in their mind.
“So to see them leave with a smile on their face, or see them dancing at the end of the show, I know I’ve done my job. At the end of the day, I’m an entertainer.”
Straight Expectations promises to showcase Danny’s trademark wit and charisma alongside their vocals – photo: Ben Ephgrave
Speaking of their excitement for the show, Danny told Bristol24/7: “I’m lucky to be doing so much other stuff now than performing. But the thing I’m best at is entertaining, and that’s why I’ll always come back to this type of work.
“I’m so at home, it feels so natural to me. I’d so much rather be on that stage in Bristol in front of thousands of people than having a one to one conversation. I’m weird like that,”
Tickets to ‘Straight Expectations’ can be bought here. You can follow Danny Beard on Instagram.
Main image: Ben Ephgrave
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