Despite the fact that Fringe World was remarkably more successful than its preceding two years in Perth, some Drag shows were noticeably struggling to sell tickets.
Many of the eight drag shows were well executed productions, yet allegedly struggled with ticket sales. Shows included Trevor Ashley’s Liza (On an E), Candice McQueen: Nasty!, Drag, La Gateau Chocolat, The Priscilla Experience, Jodie Harsh @ Connections and Mangina: Tales of an XY Woman, and Briefs.
Fab Panache from the production Drag explained how too many drag show options – as well as a lacking support from the community – could be to blame for potentially decreased ticket sales.
“It’s a case of the Tall Poppy Syndrome, people won’t support outside of their circle. People become close minded in the [drag] industry”, she said.
“It really depends how you’re promoting the show, each individual show is for a different audience”.
Panache said that her intimate show Drag sustained ticket sales, suggesting that other shows struggling may have had a venue that was too big.
Although shows did have lower sales, Panache pointed out that drag shows are still very popular and up-and-coming, ‘drag is a more accepted as a form of general entertainment.’
Fringe World Associate Director, Amber Hasler, defended ticket sales, stating “Whilst we don’t publicly release ticket sales figures for individual shows we have anecdotal feedback that the Fringe World shows with drag performances were well received.”
