The tour is not necessarily the lightest, and as it moves from city to city, it has expanded and evolved along the way.
“Basically ['Dead Inside'] is my worldview on how things affect me as a drag queen,” Bianca reflects, “As my sixth solo tour, this just seemed like the right time to discuss these topics. I feel that the world has gone a little bit crazy – so it’s my view on how I’m treated, topics that I enjoy, and ones that I don’t understand, and I talk it out with the audience. . . Like therapy.”
“You guys just get it. The sense of humour [in Australia], you understand the rottedness and the raunchiness of where I come from, so it’s like coming home, and to do so every two years has been a real treat!”
A world tour is also not for the faint-hearted, as Bianca Del Rio reflects on the preparations for each show, by combing through the most recent news and current affairs.
“We’re never short of a hot topic or headline in the news, so it all works its way into the show. . . I’m upset that I just left the UK after an alpaca sneezed on King Charles!”
Though portions of the show are scripted, to a degree, audiences will always experience something different than their fellow fans abroad.
“People know what they’re getting themselves into [with a drag performer], and for me and my insult approach, they know that they’re dealing with a splash zone, and that anybody could be easily offended rather quickly. A lot of the show comes out of my interaction with the audience, which is truly the best part.”
'Dead Inside' follows the massive success of Bianca’s two most recent comedy tours as the self-proclaimed 'clown in a gown', 'Unsanitized' (which she performed to sold-out audiences in 99 cities across 27 countries), and 'It’s Jester Joke' (where she made history as the first drag queen to headline Wembley Arena and Carnegie Hall). Fans can expect the same lightning-fast wit and razor-sharp tongue they’ve grown to love.
“Find what works for you, that’s what I often tell people. There are no rules with drag. The only thing that I would say that I think is important is being professional, punctual, and doing your job. The rest is all up to you, and that’s the magic of it.”
When asked about emerging queer performers, who may want to include drag into their sets, Bianca says, “Don’t feel like you need to include drag, but try it. Try it once. Do you think 'I can do it'? Who am I to say you can’t do this and have a good time? Put a wig on and see if it makes you happy.
“For me it was theatre first, then it led to drag, and now I’m back in theatre. Just don’t limit yourself. If it’s really bad, you’ll at least have a great story to use later!”
In true performer style, Bianca Del Rio is already planning and plotting future projects, such as another book, possibly 'Hurricane Bianca 3', and a mysterious project in the pipeline.
“Knowing that there’s something on the horizon is always great, whether it be stressful and exciting or something that’s just a small little blip here and there. I’m game. I’m ready for it. . . If I survive this tour. At my age it’s quite challenging!”
Bianca Del Rio Australia 2025 Tour Dates
28-29 January – Fortitude Music Hall (Brisbane)
31 January-2 February – Comedy Theatre (Melbourne)
5 February – Astor Theatre (Perth)
7-8 February – State Theatre (Sydney)
11 February – Llewellyn Hall (Canberra)
This story originally appeared on our sister site, scenestr.
