THE ART OF REINVENTION
Gigi Zahir on drag, acting, creating without limits and why artists should never outgrow themselves.
Gigi Zahir as Crayola
Reinvention has always been part of performance, but few artists embody it quite like Gigi Zahir. After years performing as the beloved Crayola, the acclaimed non-binary performer has stepped into a new era where labels matter less than possibility. Equal parts drag artist, actor, singer and theatre-maker, Gigi has built a career that stretches from underground queer cabaret to the West End, collecting critical acclaim along the way while refusing to be defined by a single stage or identity.
Photo: Ben Wulf
Ahead of Acid's Reign —the riotous new queer musical arriving at the Edinburgh Fringe
we spoke with Gigi about creative evolution, letting go of perfection, discovering a voice through musical theatre and why queer performance remains one of the most powerful forms of resistance, connection and joy.
For anyone discovering Acid's Reign for the first time, how would you describe it in one sentence and why do you think audiences need this show right now?
Acid’s Reign is a new musical about a group of drag artists trying to use cabaret and social media fame to fight the climate crisis - and it’s more fun than it sounds! I think audiences need this show right now because it’s a mirror up to everything we’re dealing with at the moment - the climate is genuinely in crisis, our world is becoming increasingly digital and hostile, and queer rights are under attack. It’s a love letter to drag, to queerness, to activism and integrity.
Photo : Steve Gregson
The musical balances drag, comedy, activism and genuine emotion. What was it about Acid's Reign that made you want to be part of it?
I’ve been involved with the show for almost 2 years now. A huge draw for me initially was the chance to work with Evie Fehilly, who you may know as their Man Up winning drag character Louis F.U.C.K. Evie is such a genius storyteller and collaborator, and she asked me before we did the show last year if there was anything I’ve wanted to do onstage that I’ve never had the chance to do before. I asked for a serious ballad. And she was like – “Yeah! Mother Nature needs a ballad!” And that helped inspire When I’m Not Here, which might be one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever been given as an actor.
Without giving too much away, what's one moment in the show that you're most excited for audiences to experience?
Ash Weir and Sé Carr’s solos! People expect brilliance from tv superstars Scarlett and Vic (and boy do they live up to the hype), but I can’t wait for Ash and Sé to blow people’s minds with their numbers. The way they each bring the house down every night is a joy to witness, and it’s an honour to be on a line-up with such powerhouses.
Photo : Steve Gregson
People have known and loved Crayola for years, but recently you've been focusing more on acting. Has that shift felt exciting, scary, or a bit of both?
It’s been so scary! But deep down I know it was the right move. My practice is so much more expansive now. I’m currently working on UnHinged, a solo musical (out of drag) about the horrors of online dating featuring some ridiculous parody songs. And then Crusty and I are creating a follow up to our successful Buffy sing-a-long with a musical comedy hour where we give horror icons the drag clown treatment. It’s a natural evolution, and so rewarding.
Do you see this as stepping away from Crayola, or simply allowing yourself to grow beyond one character?
She’s completely retired in terms of name and branding, and I’m continuing to do drag but as my actor name Gigi Zahir. She was always a part of me, but started to feel restrictive so this move has provided me with a lot more creative freedom! Plus drag is just one channel of communication for me as an artist, so it’s allowed for a perception shift where drag is an aspect of what I do rather than what completely defines me.
Photo : Steve Gregson
Has your definition of success changed since you first started performing?
Absolutely. When I was a teenager, I dreamed of Oscars and red carpets and millions. Now I just want to be able to work full time as a performer with people and on projects I believe in. And it would be really nice to be able to buy a house at some point!
Your career has taken you through drag, nightlife, television and now musical theatre. Looking back, has there been one moment that quietly changed everything for you?
Learning to see myself as a singer. And I weirdly have the pandemic to thank for that - it helped me discover and develop my singing voice, as lip-syncing on Zoom during lockdown was painful for all involved. So I started lessons with Orin Vallely in 2021, ended up singing in a few theatre shows back to back in 2022, and before I knew it, musicals and pantomimes had become my thing.
Performance is clearly at the centre of your life, but what keeps inspiring you once the curtain comes down?
My husband Silvio, who is also a drag artist named Moonia. He’s my biggest cheerleader, and my creative confidante. I also absolutely adore horror films. It’s a great passion of mine, and I hope to find ways to engage with it more and more in my art.
Photo : Steve Gregson
If someone followed your journey from day one, what do you hope they understand about this new chapter?
That Crayola isn’t dead! She was always me, and I was always her. I’ve just absorbed her, like a parasitic twin.
What's next? Is there a dream role, creative project or unexpected direction you're still hoping to explore?
I would love to do some tv and film work – ideally something spooky or dark fantasy! And I’m also really excited to keep pushing myself as a writer, and grateful to have both UnHinged and Gigi and Crusty Play Literally Everybody: Scary Movies! as playgrounds for me as both a maker and as a performer.
If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice before stepping on stage for the first time, what would it be?
Relax, and stop trying to be perfect all the time. Just breathe, look the audience or other actors in the eye, give them a little wink of mischief, and play. It’s what you were made to do! Also – you are soooooo unbelievably gay. So leap out that closet and don’t listen when they tell you to butch yourself up for the industry!
What has acting taught you about yourself?
Acting has taught me how bloody strong and resilient I am. It’s an incredible artform nestled in an unforgiving industry with zero job security, so you’re just constantly trying to push back the cliff edge and praying you don’t fall off. It’s so easy to lose sight of what you’ve achieved, as you only feel as valuable as what’s next. I’ve made a practice of reminding myself of all the awesome things I’ve done, and when I falter, I’m lucky to have my husband there to set me straight.
Reinvention is rarely comfortable, but it's often where the most exciting work begins. For Gigi Zahir, this next chapter isn't about leaving the past behind—it's about making space for something bigger.
If you're at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this August, don't miss Acid's Reign.
Camp, chaotic and surprisingly heartfelt, the queer musical blends drag, live music and climate activism into one of the festival's boldest new productions.
Catch it at Pleasance Courtyard (Forth) from 5–31 August (excluding 12 August).
