In a chorus of discontent, New Zealand’s drag performers are echoing the sentiments of their Australian counterparts, expressing their desire for the relocation of “RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under” to Sydney. The renowned production company, World of Wonder, recently announced that casting was open for the show’s fourth season, with applications set to close on November 24.
While the show has been filmed in Auckland, New Zealand, for its previous seasons, there has been a persistent plea from fans and drag artists alike for the production to find a new home in Australia. An anonymous Auckland drag queen, who has not appeared on the show, candidly shared her perspective in an op-ed for the LGBTQIA+ outlet Express. She revealed, “I watched many of the girls around me rush to create their audition tapes. The girls who did get in were shocked when they headed to a tiny studio in Grey Lynn that seemed to be held together with little more than gaffer tape.”
The anonymous queen critiqued the show’s initial season, filmed during the pandemic, as being “a mess.” However, she did acknowledge that last year’s season two showed improvement, praising Spankie Jackson for her charisma and charm. Yet, she lamented the diminishing quality in subsequent episodes of season three, particularly highlighting the “worst Snatch Game in Drag Race herstory.”
The Kiwi queen further argued that “Drag Race Down Under,” as the only international franchise with RuPaul and Michelle Visage as judges besides Drag Race UK, had a responsibility to deliver high-quality content. She contrasted this with the success of “Drag Race France,” which received acclaim for its exceptional episodes.
While acknowledging the audacity of relocating the show to Sydney, the anonymous queen believed that Kiwi drag would benefit in the long run from a more creative and glamorous production of “Drag Race Down Under.” She emphasized the importance of showcasing talents to an international standard, providing drag queens with the opportunity to tour internationally and ultimately shine on the world stage.
As the debate continues, the call for the show’s relocation grows louder, with many hoping that a move to Sydney could breathe new life into the beloved franchise and offer a fresh perspective on the world of drag.
Isis Avis Loren Reigns as Drag Race Down Under Season 3 Winner
In a historic win, drag queen Isis Avis Loren was crowned the winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under” season three, becoming the first Australian queen to claim the title. The victory, celebrated at a finale party in Sydney, marked a milestone for the series, following two previous Kiwi winners. With the future of the show’s location in question, Loren’s win adds to the ongoing conversation surrounding the production’s potential move to Sydney.
Streaming Details
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under” are available for streaming in Australia on Stan, while other international spinoffs can be found on Stan and Wow Presents Plus.