About Crayola

Crayola the Queen is the alter ego of Gigi Zahir, an international, multi-disciplinary drag artist, actor, singer, cabaret performer, theatre maker, and educator. Classically trained at The Stella Adler Studio of Acting in NYC, they've since found a home within musical comedy and the London cabaret scene, and have a passion for collaboration, new writing, and bold interpretations of traditional texts.

  • Two drag queens, Chappell Roan and Crayola the Queen, wearing colorful costumes against a brick wall. One in a floral patterned dress, the other in a red glittery outfit with a large hairstyle.

    Crayola has opened for Chappell Roan three times, and is named as the person who helped her realise she was a drag queen.

  • Performer in vibrant costume with red wig and blue gloves on stage with Egyptian-themed backdrop.

    Gigi was nominated for Best Newcomer at The UK Pantomime Awards in 2023 for their work as Cleopatra in “Cinderella” at Theatre Royal Stratford East, losing to Vernon Kay.

  • Person in a sleeveless orange shirt posing in front of a colorful poster for 'Frankie Goes to Bollywood' musical, standing on a red carpet.

    Gigi originated the role of Shona in the first UK tour of "Frankie Goes To Bollywood” with Rifco Theatre in 2024, which included 3 weeks at the Southbank Centre.

  • Drag performer on stage in dramatic pose holding a microphone, surrounded by disco balls and other performers, with colorful stage lighting.

    Gigi originated the role of Ria Listic in “Acid’s Reign” with Relish Theatre at The Pleasance Theatre in 2025.

  • Poster for "Fame Whore," a play by Tom Ratcliffe with lyrics by Gigi Zahir. Features a person in a sparkly blue outfit holding a large blue wig, sitting next to a rack of colorful costumes on a pink background. Text includes 'Sarah Allen Productions' and 'Arts Council England' logos.

    Gigi is a published lyricist for their work on “Fame Wh*re”, a solo theatre show written by Tom Ratcliffe and also performed by Gigi in 2022.

  • Person in blue outfit with big blue hair holding a vacuum cleaner indoors.

    Crayola has been one of Samsung’s Clean Qweens, in an ongoing campaign since 2023.

  • Group of people in theatrical costumes on stage, posing playfully, with various outfits including workwear and humorous attire.

    Gigi has been a guest lecturer at the London College of Music, teaching drag to the musical theatre students since 2024.

  • Person in colorful theatrical costume with makeup and accessories, standing on stage.

    Gigi played Trinculo and Antonio in “Tempest” with Wildcard Theatre at The Pleasance Theatre in 2022.

  • Crayola and Trinity the Tuck, in drag outfits posing in front of a "glitter bomb" backdrop. One is wearing a leopard print dress with red details and the other is in a metallic blue outfit. Both have bright makeup and styled hair.

    Crayola has performed alongside many high-profile drag artists, including Sasha Velour, Bimini, Tete Bang, Aquaria, Cheddar Gorgeous, Trinity the Tuck, LoUis CYfer, Miz Cracker, Kemah Bob, Alyssa Edwards, Holly Stars, Shangela, Cheryl Hole, Scarlet Harlett, James St James, Hungry, Vander Von Odd, Tammie Brown, Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, Eureka, Mayhem Miller, Scarlet Envy, Shuga Cain and Mercedes Iman Diamond