Cross-dressing role’s not a drag for del Rio

eVeryBODy will soon be talking, very loudly, about the real- life performance artist — or drag queen, if you will — who will play the key role of . . . a drag queen in the musical everybody’s Talking About Jamie.

The show is about a student who clashes with his teacher over whether he can wear a frock to the high school prom.

The character of hugo helps Jamie get gowned up for the ball.

Bianca Del rio, famous for winning the sixth season of Netflix show ruPaul’s Drag race and for her cabaret act, will take the part, currently played by Shane ritchie, from May 6 to June 29.

Del rio — real name roy haylock, from New Orleans — fell in love with the show. ‘And we went after her,’ said producer Nica Burns.

‘ Drag is becoming legitimate!’ Burns added. ‘People love drag queens — the costumes, the make-up and the often outrageous humour. And the kindess.’

(A uk version of Drag race is being planned, with Graham Norton.)

Del rio told the New york Times her trademark style is ‘ erotic clown’. She explained: ‘I want the most unnatural look possible’ — which means four pair of tights, plus fishnet stockings.

Del rio will join current Jamie star Layton Williams and Steps singer Faye Tozer, who also starts on May 6.