Bianca Del Rio is a drag queen and comedian who was successful in her own right before becoming a household name by winning Season 6 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. The first drag queen to headline Carnegie Hall and Wembley Arena, Bianca is bringing her show ‘Unsanitized’ to the Fringe, her first time at the festival. We spoke to her about the show and whether there’s anything the queen of mean won’t say.
How have the last few years been for you? It must have felt that the world had ground to a halt after you’d had such a successful 2019.
What? I’ve been drinking. Did some world event happen in 2020 that I missed?
Can you tell us about ‘Unsanitized’?
I always say expect the unexpected. Part of the show is scripted where I obviously talk about life during a pandemic and other current events, but a large part of the show is audience interaction. Since there’s a different audience each night, a large part of the show is different each night. I’m an insult comic, so it’s definitely not a show for the easily offended. But I’m the biggest joke of all. I’m a man in a dress and a wig talking about how ridiculous the world is. I’m just there to get people to lighten up and laugh for an hour or so to forget about all the awful stuff going on in the world.
You’re famous for your acidic insults. What makes a perfect put down, and has there ever been any moments you felt you’d gone to far? Are there any subjects that are absolutely out of bounds?
Acidic? Are you calling me a c*nt? If so, you’re right. NOTHING is off limits. Everything is a joke to me. I’m the biggest joke of all…. a man in a wig and a dress talking about how ridiculous the world is. I’ve gone too far countless times. If you don’t believe me, just ask my mother.
You were a successful performer in New York before even going on Drag Race. What made you decide to audition for Season 6?
I saw some of my untalented friends get global exposure from the show, so I figured I’d give it a shot.
This is your first time performing at the Fringe. Do you have any expectations?
I expect to drink and laugh….which is why Scotland is the place for me.
Are there any other acts at the Fringe that you would recommend audiences should see?
Nope! Definitely not during my time slot. Just come to my show every night.
‘Unsanitized‘ runs from Thu 18 Aug to Fri 26 Aug 2022 at Pleasanceat EICC – Lomond @21:30