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Drag Race Down Under sashays down the blue carpet

Guests dressed to look fab at Stan's World Premiere last night at the Opera House.

Australian & New Zealand glitterati were out in force last night for the World Premiere of RuPaul’s Drag Race: Down Under at -where else- the Sydney Opera House.

It was a glamorous affair with guests dressed to look fabulous on the Stan blue carpet.

In attendance were Taika Waititi, Rita Ora, Claudia Karvan, Samantha Jade, Aunty Donna, Ryan Corr, Renee Bargh, Courtney Act, Claire Hooper, Richard Reid, Richard & Christian Wilkins, Rob Mills & Georgie Tunny,  Jake Ryan, Alfie Arcuri, Beau Ryan, Roxy Jacenko and emcee David Campbell, plus 9 of the Down Under Queens Anita Wigl’it, Art Simone, Coco Jumbo, Etcetera Etcetera, Jojo Zaho, Karen from Finance, Kita Mean, Maxi Shield and Scarlet Adams.

Also attending were Nine CEO Mike Sneesby, Head of Content Nick Forward, and Nine’s Adrian Swift.

Guests were treated to the first episode and launch party with David Campbell hosting proceedings.

Art Simone was tight lipped on what was in store in the upcoming season, filmed in New Zealand.

“It was crazy. It was unforgettable. It was intense. We’ve watched it for 12 or 13 years, and you think you’ve studied every single aspect of it, you know exactly what it’s going be like.

“I’ve worked in TV before on The Bachelor I was in charge of the date. I’ve seen how Reality TV works, but this is so different. They have a very well-oiled machine now. It’s fabulous.”

Etcetera Etcetera said filming the series was a ‘whirlwind.’

“To be honest, it wasn’t a dream because I never thought it would happen. I never thought it would come to the backwaters of Australia. But now that it is I’m so grateful to be part of this opportunity.

“The producers approached me and asked if I’d like to audition. I said yes and then it happened. It was kind of a crazy few weeks of them asking me questions, but you’ll just have to watch and find out!”

RuPaul’s Drag Race: Down Under premieres from 4pm Saturday on Stan.

7 Responses

  1. Could they not find anyone more queer/queer-adjacent than David Campbell? Also Beau Ryan?? I know it’s just the launch, but this is supposed to be the queer community’s time to shine when we normally don’t get to. I really hope this isn’t a sign of things to come (e.g. “With extra special guest judge Grant Denyer!”)

      1. David, I’m not saying he’s homophobic, I’m saying I was looking forward to this show as being the queer community’s time to shine. The David Campbells of Australia already dominate the media landscape. You don’t have an issue with it, and that’s fine, but I do.

    1. I have to agree. The quality of the whole production was very cheap when you compare against the other countries.

      Sound quality bad, set cheap and so tiny you could see shadows. It’s was a shamble.

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