It's always exciting when an alternative piece of performance arrives in town and an absolute thrill to have the opportunity to indulge in a new side of the theatre. National Treasures brought to Manchester's Palace Theatre by Holy Trannity was definitely my kind of show. The performance starred Bianca Del Rio, Lady Bunny, Sherry Vine and Jackie Beat. These huge names brought an exceptionally entertaining all singing, all dancing drag show while opening my eyes to the different perceptions of drag and what it is to be a professional drag queen.
Bianca Del Rio has such a unique act with moments of pure comedy genius. I'm sure many would agree that an imagination and quick witted skills like hers would be something to die for. Her look for me leans away from a fishy queen to more glamorous clown drag, 
Bianca's face certainly speaks volume and would light any room. Obviously being a touring drag queen Manchester is one of many spots she performs in but it is a delight to see the clear connections that she has made with the LGBT community in our city as she spoke about her nights in Manchester and plugging our best loved venues in our Village.
A huge shock and delight for me was the involvement of our local drag queens in the show as two of my favourite queens Divina De Campo and Madame Phylisann Von Hollywood Aries aka Nana joined the performance which for me was my favourite part, and a pure joy to see two local hard working drag queens being embraced on to the stage of the Palace.
With over 25 years’ experience as a performer Nana for me stole the first part of the show and gave her crowd the traditional, comedy drag we all crave. Nana has an iconic look which has changed with the times and made her the performer she is. Her movement on stage was fabulous with a real feel the big woman she was representing, and hands down best dressed in the big gold ruffle dress she wore. A lesson for new queens is this kind of presence doesn't come overnight but something that has to be earned.
Divina De Campo never fails to impress me when I see her perform, a true professional with a passion that shines. I also believe she's been feeling unwell for the past few days but to still apply the makeup and release her inner alter-ego is for me pure dedication. Divina seems to have a natural way of inviting her audience in almost instantly with a voice as I've stated before that is unbelievably unique and rare to come by. Divina I believe has a lot of involvement in Holy Trannity in Manchester as there was a clear bond with the other queens and a good working relationship.
There seems to be a big misconception about how a drag queen is expected to perform and act on stage, we seem to think it's all about wit and humour which is a clear element we enjoy however there is a backbone and a lot of work that goes into producing a show of this professional standard and I won't be doubting myself a visit to see Holy Trannity in action again and recommend others to do the same regardless of your standing with the LGBT community.
Reviewer: Jamie Greenwood
Reviewed: 11th March 2016
