16-year-old schoolboy attends prom in full drag in bid to inspire others
ESME DOLL received full support from the Orchard School Bristol when she arrived at prom in full drag.(@louisviellon/Instagram)
ESME DOLL received full support from the Orchard School Bristol when she arrived at prom in full drag.(@louisviellon/Instagram)
One of the UK’s youngest drag queens has attended his prom in a Barbie-inspired drag look with the full support of their school.
Alfie Smith, who performs under the name ESME Doll, claims to be Bristol’s youngest drag queen.
The 16-year-old’s desire to attend prom as his authentic self was inspired by the hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, which was based on the real-life story of a teen drag queen.
Alfie told PinkNews that he felt “nervous” on the way to prom and even questioned why he had chosen to go in drag. But, he said, his concerns quickly disappeared the moment he stepped out of the car and was “greeted with cheers, screams, and the biggest round of applause”.
“This reaction caused my nerves to fully go and confirmed to me that I went in drag for me and because I love this side of myself,” he shared.
Alfie added that he was told he was “inspiring” and felt fully supported by Orchard School Bristol, where both teachers and students offered “endless support”.
He said he was around eight years old when he first watched the documentary Jamie: Drag Queen at 16, which was adapted into the musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. Jamie Campbell – the subject of the documentary and inspiration behind the musical and film – even responded to ESME DOLL’s prom look, writing on Instagram: “Wow darling what a vision!”
“Even if I only inspired one person that night, that is enough for me,” he said.
Alfie’s parents helped him sketch and plan the entire Barbie-inspired prom look, from the dream dress to the perfect wig.
“ESME DOLL is probably the biggest contributing factor to who I am today,” he said of his drag persona. “She helped me figure out my sexuality, my confidence, and everything that makes you an individual.”
He added: “Drag has helped me massively, and I cannot thank the art form enough.”
Alfie, who began experimenting with drag in primary school, now dreams of performing on stages across the globe.
“Drag is empowering, and I encourage anyone struggling to find themselves to try drag.”
When asked what advice he’d give to schools looking to better support LGBTQ+ youth, Alfie said it’s vital to “call out homophobic and transphobic abuse”.
He explained that he was fortunate to be able to speak openly with his teachers and credits his sense of security to the support of one particular English teacher, who not only helped him speak about LGBTQ+ issues but also attended one of his drag shows.
“She even put the show poster up in her classroom,” he said, adding that he has deep admiration for her.
Alfie also spoke passionately about the need to protect trans rights: “Trans rights are under attack right now, and many trans kids and adults are in distress.
“These times are so hard for trans people, so please — if there are trans kids or staff at your school — look out for them, give them the support they need, and be that trusted adult who will fight for them!”
Looking ahead, Alfie hopes to take his drag around the globe. He encourages anyone struggling to embrace their true self to reach out to those around them.
“You being out and proud, living your authentic life, will inspire others to do the same! We’re in 2025 — we need to help make that change. We need to live in pride, confidence, and empowerment, storm through the hate, and rise above,” he said.
Last year, then-16-year-old Lewis Fully attended their school prom in Blackpool as their flamboyant alter ego, Kendall Cursed.
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