For one night only, Bianca Del Rio’s 'Dead Inside' tour reached Perth, Western Australia – noted for being one of the most isolated cities in the world, and tonight (5 February) also noted for being the most rotted!
The energy at the Astor Theatre was palpable, amid the theatre’s mint green and terracotta art deco style, and pulsating queer-club music.
Diverse groups and backgrounds attended in droves, an excited buzz filling the main theatre and dress circle space for Bianca’s sold-out, 120th show.
True to the brief, Bianca’s 'Dead Inside' tour was “not for the faint-hearted” – her Perth show included current affairs, locality digs and roasts, universal Bianca-isms, and some left-of-field jabs and jives that really hit the mark. From critiques on the 'Drag Race' franchise, the local news and political unrest from the 'Orange President', all the way to universal connections such as Drag Storytime concerns, straight men being set-up by their partners, rabbit farmers and lesbian love triangles, to confessionals from people eating dog biscuits to questionable video for one patron’s upcoming wedding!
Though portions of the show are scripted – and even Front Of House were in on the act – audiences will always experience something different than their fellow fans abroad.
Bianca commanded the space, from start to finish – with laughter as prominent as her punchlines. Peppered with her signature dark comedy, the 'Dead Inside' tour was a masterclass in performing comedy, and connecting with an audience.
One patron was quoted as saying: “… the way she just has to move her eyes, or tilt her head, she puts a lot of comedy entertainers to shame”.
Bianca is a hard worker, skilled, and a powerhouse performer. In an interview with us in 2024, Bianca discussed “I’m still moving forward in some direction, I’m one of those people that say yes to everything – only because if it’s a horrible project, then I can use it in my act. So, I think everything is a win”.
The 'Dead Inside' tour was a testament to not only Bianca’s notable and rotted persona, but also an ability to alchemise dark times into comedy that resonates with all communities – that isn’t to say you won’t need some padding in that frock – Bianca’s splash zone can get spicy!
