Klub Kids’ Twisted Circus, O2 Academy, Birmingham - review
The circus came to town last night - but not as you know it.
Hundreds of drag fans flocked to the O2 Academy for the Klub Kids spectacular; the star-studded line-up of which included transgender modelling icon Amanda Lepore.
Other top names on the bill were Ru Paul’s Drag Race contestants Kim Chi, Farah Moan, Violet Chachki, Chad Michaels, Milk, and Shea Coulee.
The Twisted Circus kicked off at the city centre venue with a stunning aerial silk performance by one of the show’s talented dancers and acrobats - setting the scene for the evening with breathtaking stunts, swirls and drops from way up in the air.
Other performances from the talented troupe included four men displaying impressive dance moves in a multitude of costumes, joined by presenter Andrew Hoyle dressed as a ringmaster, and a duo of males in a brilliantly impressive acrobatics performance which, at one point, saw one do a handstand on the other man’s hands as he stood.
A highlight of the evening was the beautiful display from All Stars winner and world-renowned Cher impersonator Chad Michaels - for which the series of UK shows marked the icon's first-ever tour in the country. The 47-year-old star from Los Angeles graced the stage in a huge black afro wig and a gorgeous African-inspired glistening peacock blue outfit, complete with huge feathers and a toga-style cut-out dress of which Chad revealed multiple layers as she stripped back each one.
The Drag Race Season Four runner-up gave a spectacular lip sync rendition of Cher’s Woman’s World, which even featured a snippet of the music idol’s Strong Enough - and looked absolutely phenomenal while doing so.
“How are you tonight Birmingham?” beamed Chad.
“I’m so excited to be here. Thank you for turning out.
“I’m so pleased to be in your country to entertain you.”
Another top performer of the evening was Season Nine contestant Shea Coulee who, donning a long straight black wig, impressed with her dance moves in a pink cut-out tracksuit style outfit.
The show-stoppingly striking Farah Moan and Violet Chachki thrilled with burlesque-style strips, meanwhile; each of them looking every bit as beautiful as fans could have wished for.
Kim Chi was great too - and showed her dance moves have improved significantly since her stint on TV, as the 30-year-old Season Eight contestant lip-synced to musical numbers and used costume reveals and her endearing nature to woo the audience.
Fellow Ru Paul’s Drag Race and All Stars contestant Milk also performed, with her most impressive set slot being a lip-sync and dance-filled rendition of her own song Touch The Fashion, which led into Kelis’ Milkshake.
Amanda also sang her own number Buckle Up, followed by a cover of David Bowie’s The Jean Genie to which the 50-year-old New Jersey icon stripped down, leaving very little to the imagination.
She also joined Farah and Violet for a dance and lip sync rendition of Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend in a one-off performance, which the group had put together just two days before.
A great show, filled with charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent - and a chance for UK fans to witness the beloved stars’ shows up close and personal.
