Drag Diva Spectacular | Connections Nightclub | ★ ★ ★ ★
Drag is no doubt seeing a renaissance in the era of RuPaul’s Drag Race, with fans beyond the traditional audience of the queer community flocking to see bejewelled, coiffed queens lip-sync the house down on stage.
Though an avid drag enthusiast will recognise that drag can manifest itself as queens, kings, genderless forms and shapes outside the norm – a mainstream audience still expects to see a queen serve a little taste of campery and glamour.
Drag Diva Spectacular makes for a delicious tasting plate of that brand of camp, glamorous drag, complete with a super-sized serving of nutritious local talent including Ruby Jewelz, Fay Rocious, Alexas Armstrong, Veronica Jean Jones and the show’s creator BarbieQ.
The evening opens with a fabulous group number to warm up the crowd, before hostess BarbieQ takes to the stage to let the crowd know what’s about to go down.
Now Barbie is a seasoned and exceptionally skilled hostess, who always brings a smile to my face when she lights up the Connections Nightclub stage – but something she said on this particular evening really struck a chord with me. Barbie explained that while devising the show with her cast mates, their main goal was to bring their audience a joyful evening of fun and frivolity. There’s no subtext here, no pretense – just good times with great talent to help you forget about the day-to-day drama.
The hour long showcase brought a number of pop favourites to life including a reprise of BarbieQ’s 20th anniversary number This Is Me, a killer Beyonce dance number by Fay Rocious, a sultry tribute to Ariana Grande by Miss Ruby Jewelz – complete with the high pony – and a finale number celebrating the best of disco.
There were a few moments where the show needed a little polish, with girls losing momentum as back-up dancers when they weren’t in the spotlight – though it’s understandable considering each of these ladies are in multiple shows across the Fringe World season, as well as having their regular drag duties.
On a personal level, I could do without hearing the Glee version of any song ever again – and this show had two – but hey, the rest of the audience loved it!
If you’re a fan of drag, pop music, disco, glitz or glamour, this is the show for you! A wonderful celebration of our local LGBTIQ+ talent, that can be enjoyed and accessed by all.
Drag Diva Spectacular has ended this year’s season – but stay tuned on the group’s Facebook page!
Leigh Andrew Hill
