Readers, meet Bella Du Ball A.K.A Craig Colley who is set to bring Queenz – The Show with BALLS! to Sheffield’s Foundry on 26th October.
After graduating in 2012, Craig swapped the small seaside town for life on the seven seas, performing as a singer/dancer on cruise ships around the world. Surrounded backstage by cheap wigs, fake jewellery and padded bras Craig felt right at home and before he knew it, was one of the gals!
Now it was time to put these new skills to the test and after a couple of years at sea, the bright lights of Blackpool came calling once again as Craig returned to feature in one of the world’s most famous drag shows, Funny Girls.
Outside of drag, Craig has been working as a makeup artist in north Wales, painting faces with just a little less glitter than he’s used to. Craig is thrilled to be touring the country with the gals and can’t wait to bring a night of gender-bending, life-affirming fun and frolics to Sheffield next month.
Who are the Queenz? Tell us a bit about yourselves…
Queenz is a show like no other. We’re five fabulous queens who dance like Britney and sing LIVE (yes – live) like Whitney. Each queen is so different and talented in their own right but when we come together, something magical happens that we can’t explain.
How did you all find yourselves wanting to join the world of drag?
Drag means something different to each of us. For me, drag allows me to fully express myself. For years as a performer, I was told to “butch it up” or “act more like a boy.” However, with drag, all the things I had to supress are now my strongest attributes. I feel invincible in drag!
From the amazing vocals to defying death drops and insane outfits, what is all your favourite part about show night?
It may sound like a cliché, but seeing the audience enjoying themselves, dancing, laughing, crying and letting go is our favourite part of show night… the sequins and sparkle are just an added bonus.
What else can people in Sheffield expect from the show?
The people of Sheffield should expect amazing live vocals, killer dance routines, gorgeous queens and above all else, a bloody good night!
From appearing on Walk the Line in 2021, you’ve come a long way – so where do you see the future heading for QUEENZ?
The future for Queenz is an exciting one and we have no plans on slowing down. Edinburgh Fringe has been a triumph for the second year in a row and our first UK tour is going to be amazing. The world is literally our little oyster and we cannot wait to see where it takes us! Buckle up, because you are all coming along for the ride!
The world of drag in all its fierceness is not only an explosion of dazzling sequins but a message for all people to be themselves. How important is this show for you all and the people who come to watch it?
It is so liberating being able to perform our show to such a broad audience night after night. The fact that people continue to embrace us and our show is something that we will always be grateful for. We just want to continue to spread love, glitter and joy wherever we go because you never know who needs that fabulous night to just forget their worries and have a royally great time!
Queenz – The Show with BALLS! arrives at The Foundry on 26th October. Tickets and more info are available here.
