Theatre / theatre
Category Is… brings the house down at Old Market Assembly
An hour before showtime, the crowd’s anticipation was palpable as rose petals were strewn and tables disappeared.
Category Is… Bristol’s latest drag show is directed by host, Alyssa Van Delle, and co-created by Clare Lowe. The show recreates the New York ‘Ball culture’ of the 1960s with its riotous showcase of queer entertainment, performed against the apt backdrop of the Old Market Assembly.
The night kicked off with new act, Glitter Lips Productions. Dancers, Smidge Swayer, Rubyyy Jones and Clara Lov weaved their way through the audience, oozing bubbly self-expression and entering into mini-dance-offs with audience members.
is needed now More than ever
Meth is one of Britain’s leading Drag Queens and was a star booking for the debut night
With songs like Run the World and Sweet Transvestite, the scene was set for the main drag acts.
The infamous Meth, from London (who’s catchphrase is ‘don’t do drugs, do Meth’) was joined by Lydia L’Scabies, who holds a residency in Brighton, and Italy’s Melissa Bianchini.
A hilariously bizarre night ensued with unfathomable lip-synching agility, audience sing-alongs, Italian dancer Marco Foltrane, rocking a tight, pink mankini (he actually pulled it off very well) and an emotional moment between Meth and her mum.
After a costume change, and channelling Hocus Pocus, Alyssa Van Delle hosts the finale
Having been carried along on a roller-coaster of laughs, leaving the venue felt like prematurely departing from new and accepting family members. It’s a good job Category Is… is here to stay.
Photos by Marco Bardusco-Brazier
Read more: Bristol’s brand new drag night launches in November
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