Dear Shaded Viewers,
Brace yourself for the most captivating show of the year: Drag Race France’s Royal Tour! Led by ten dazzling queens and hosted by the multitalented Nicky Doll This production marks the pinnacle of the French franchise from its blasting begining. It is not just about the looks; it celebrates the tenacity of creators who’ll burn the stage and resonate far beyond France’s borders.
Inspired by RuPaul’s 2008 Franchise, The show sparkles with laughter and glitter, yet it also delivers powerful, empowering moments that left the room breathless. Showrunners Raphael Cioffi and Nicolas Missoffe instilled this dignified and balanced tone on stage, just as they did on TV. Notably, a deeply tribute to late Caroline Grandjean, a lesbian teacher victim of harassment. Every queen possessed a mesmerizing stage presence. The dancers, led by Mimi and Thomas Vrabie, pushed their limits with vigorous, whipping movements that galvanized every performances with a never ending intensity. Moreover, the creative team gathered the finest drag artisans with no boundaries. Aymeric Zana, known for his iconic runway looks, designed a cohesive collection featuring massive structures. Shoulders and glitters were pushed to their limits. Christophe Mecca realised gigantic yet camps wigs who endured dances.
These presences were made mythical by two men who constructed a powerful framework to elevate them. Clement Dezelus directed seamless, interactive videos that married aesthetics with precision. He offered just enough imagery—never merely decorative—to evoke meaning. His unapologetically sensual aesthetic infused the show with a raw and untamed desire. Meanwhile, Pascal Noel crafted lighting that sculpted silhouettes and kept the audience entranced. His striking lines recalled the infinite spirit of Mugler’s glorious years.Queer talents further enriched the show. First, Tristana Gray Martyr and Malawitte delivered a quirky lipsync that demonstrate the comic spirit of Parisian nightlife. Later, La Queerale, backed Piche’s act. This growing ensemble ranges from opera to queer pop songs yet their vocal approach always lends a solemn gravity.
One duo, however, can only construct this timeless approach: Manon Savary and Marc Zaffuto. This wild pair cultivates an inclusive, multidisciplinary vision that seizes our collective memory and makes us dance. Their selection of hits, arranged by Upsilone, struck at the core, shaping a wild and unending Parisian night. From Jeanne Mas to Charli XCX and even Nicky’s own songs, the EDM beats ignited the stage like fireworks.They transformed queens into dreamlike icons: Elips became an expressionist creature and tear-jerking warrior; Misty Phoenix unexpectedly channeled a preppy golden age icon; and La Big Bertha embodied the link between melancholic and flamboyant stage traditions, haunting the audience with beloved ’80s hits. Then, I cannot spoil you more !
With this daring approach, each performer is elevated . The show is an absolute celebration hightening our senses. The values of the show are more than said, they are definitely felt. This boldness carries the legacy of the late Bob Wilson, the monumental director who erased boundaries between performers from any backgrounds through his singular aesthetics. With stripped-down props and a viceral body language, Manon and Marc shaped modern days icons with striking clarity. In this fearless style lies something essential: a form of artistic generosity that is a true public service
Later,
Mael Heinz
Photos by Valentin Folliet
