Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamolodchikova, our favourite “skinny legend” and “Russian bisexual transexual hooker”, are known for their hilarious, irreverent performances that push the boundaries of being a drag queen. On November 30th, the dynamic duo brought their distinctive brand of chaotic comedy and theatrics to Cardiff Motorpoint Arena in Wales, thrilling fans with a high-energy variety performance full of laughs, s(ass), and pure, unadulterated fun.
The show is hosted by Kelly Mantle, who plays the role of Trixie and Katya’s chain-smoking manager Sandy. Sandy expertly delivers a variety of witty one-liners and is determined to keep the show moving against all odds.
The pace was set with a projected title sequence, introducing the show’s fictional sponsor, Klarma, whose shady dealings with Sandy quickly devolve into something more sinister. We then see the ever-flawless Trixie graciously making her way to the venue. Meanwhile, Katya kicks ass as she escapes a bungled kidnapping attempt and saves a child from a killer clown. You know, the usual.
From the moment they took the stage, it was clear that Trixie and Katya were ready to deliver a sickening night of debauchery. They greeted the “thousands of lesbians” (it’s me, hi) in attendance and had the audience cracking up with cheeky banter and surprises throughout the show. They kept things fresh and engaging with an eclectic mix of musical numbers, dance routines, glamorous costume changes, comedy sketches, pop culture references, and off-script adlibs.
The chemistry between Trixie and Katya is extraordinary, with the two queens balancing each other perfectly. While Trixie’s bubbly, campy personality provides a perfect foil to Katya’s more unhinged, outrageous antics, both queens are clearly at the top of their game and bring unique talents and skills to the show.
Whether it’s Trixie’s musical chops, cracking jokes about Gregg’s vegan sausage rolls in a terrible British accent, or Katya delivering an epic unconscious aerial performance, they work together seamlessly to create a one-of-a-kind live experience.
Trixie and Katya are entertainers through and through, and they seemed to have almost as much fun as we did, which made the evening an absolute delight.
Overall, we loved Trixie and Katya Live. This show is uproariously funny, with the perfect measure of wit and absurdity that makes their YouTube series, UNHhhh, so iconic. This show will have you laughing until your cheeks hurt. Even my skeptical mum, who had never been to a Drag show before, was won over by their zany charm and self-awareness. So if you can see them on tour, do it! This is Drag at its best.
