It’s official- Nottingham cannot get enough of drag- and it knows how to do it better than most cities!...
This week’s Nottingham Drag Pageant wasn’t just a competition; it was a celebration of queer artistry, local talent, and unapologetic fabulousness. The Nottingham Arts Theatre was bursting at the seams with creativity, charisma, and pure camp joy. From bedazzled heels to belted high notes, it was a showcase of the best our city’s drag scene has to offer – and the audience ate it up.
Let’s start where all good nights end: with the winner. A massive congratulations to Climax, who absolutely snatched the crown with a showstopping lipsync to Bad Romance. It was pure drag perfection – theatrical, polished, and full of the kind of energy that could power the National Grid. From the moment she stepped on stage, it was clear Climax came not just to perform, but to win.
But Climax wasn’t the only one bringing the heat. The pageant was packed with a diverse range of acts that reminded us just how rich and multifaceted drag can be. Tok Dabard gave us a hilarious, campy lipsync that had the audience howling, while his runway look – blending bold fashion with nods to Malaysian heritage – was a powerful and heartfelt moment of cultural celebration.
If drag is about drama and showmanship, then Dani Magic truly lived up to her name. Her live singing performance was absolutely theatre-worthy – she didn’t just sing, she soared. With a voice fit for the West End and a wardrobe that would make any designer weep, Dani put the Queen in Drag Queen. Her stage presence was spellbinding, and honestly, she deserves her own one-woman show.
fierce, funny, and full of political punch
The kings were out to slay too, and Basil Thrust made sure we knew it from the get-go. His opening number set the tone for the entire night – fierce, funny, and full of political punch. Watching the crowd gleefully obliterate an image of RuPaul Dragon Ball Z style was a cathartic communal moment, and Basil led it with swagger and style. Kings don’t always get the spotlight in drag spaces, but Basil proved they damn well should.
Another standout was Cynthia D’Allure, who took us on a high-octane trip to Italy with her showstopper. Elegant, sexy, and bursting with personality, Cynthia owned the stage from start to finish. There was a clear narrative to her number, and the execution was chef’s kiss.
And let’s not forget Synchro, who delivered killer look after killer look all night long – each one more jaw-dropping than the last. Meanwhile, The Myst brought a powerful, emotionally charged performance that reminded us that drag isn’t just glitter and gags – it’s a form of expression that can move people.
Holding all this magic together was the incomparable Liv, whose hosting was a masterclass in quick wit, charm, and total professionalism. Drag Race wishes it had someone this sharp on the mic. Liv didn’t just keep the show running – she made it feel like we were all part of one big, sparkly, queer family.
The Nottingham Drag Pageant wasn’t just a competition – it was a reminder of the vibrant, fearless creativity bubbling in our city’s queer scene. It was funny, moving, political, joyous, and absolutely unmissable. If this is what the future of local drag looks like, then sign me up for season tickets.
Long live the queens. Long live the kings. Long live Nottingham drag.
The Nottingham Drag Pageant took place at the Nottingham Arts Theatre on Friday June 20th 2025. Read Leftlion's interview with the stunning contestants!
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