Life’s such a drag in the theatre world at the moment. No, it is – literally. Everywhere you look there’s a drag show happening, such is the effect RuPaul’s Drag Race has had. One such show is murder mystery Death Drop, featuring Ra’Jah O’Hara. Jamie Rees dropped in to meet her a day after her arrival in Wales from the States.
How does it feel to be back on stage after such a long period out of heels in lockdown?
I’m so thankful, so grateful. It’s been a difficult time for all performers and I can’t tell you how excited I am to be back performing again – and in the UK too! I love it here!
Have you been to Wales before, Ra’Jah?
I have not, I hear it’s a beautiful country. I’m told Cardiff is a fun night out too so I’m looking forward to meeting all of the Welsh fans and seeing some of Cardiff while I’m there.
I was interested to know how different it is to be performing in a scripted play as opposed to a classic drag performance that may allow more freedom to express oneself.
Oh, it’s a challenge, it really is. Just to learn all of those lines! I think one of the things being on RuPaul’s Drag Race does is that it prepares you for fresh challenges. If you can get through what RuPaul throws at you, you can get through anything. So that’s how I see this, I’m excited to explore my acting chops.
And how much fun is it to be performing alongside queens from other countries, like Australia’s Karen From Finance and the UK’s Vinegar Strokes?
I’d never met Karen From Finance before until today. We have just had our first rehearsal together. I’d met Vinegar back in 2019 at Drag Con in New York. You know, these queens are so talented and it’s just so exciting to be joining forces like this and bringing each of our unique RuPaul backgrounds together in this way. You’re always learning, with every drag king and queen you meet.
Ra’Jah O’Hara is famous for making her own stunning looks from scratch. How much signature purple will we see in Death Drop?
Ah well, this is a bit different: They have supplied a wardrobe team, so my outfits have been made for me. Of course, I get input into my character, so there may be a splash of purple here and there – you’ll just have to wait and see, won’t you!
What’s next for Ra’Jah O’Hara?
Well, I’m doing Death Drop for the full run until the end of November and then there will be some new music coming out, so watch out for that on the Ra’Jah O’Hara show on Instagram.
Death Drop, New Theatre, Cardiff, Wed 20-Sat 23 Oct. Tickets: £28-£42.50 (Wed + Thurs); £32-£48.50 (Fri + Sat); boxes £200-£287 (six people max). Info: 0343 3100041 / here
words JAMIE REES