Review: That Drag Show!

**Picture**: *That Drag Show!* Credit: Creative Futures Photography

If it seemed quiet in Brisbane on Saturday night, it’s because everyone was in Moorooka. Arcana was packing them in, as we all waited in anxious anticipation of Abril LaTrene’s latest show (in conjunction with Scrunch’N’Fold Productions). As you might expect of a five-star drag event, the costumes were simply fabulous, the makeup was amazing, the choreography was classic and outrageous, the lip-synch was on point, and the song choices made for a fun evening (where many of the audience were as word perfect as the stars of the show).

The That Drag Show format is deceptively simple: a core cast of ‘Queensland’s finest drag talent,’ supported by two talented dancers, in a one-hour program that includes spots for local featured guests. Abril LaTrene stars in the show, alongside the core cast of Ja’mie Displays Karmin Dioxide, Kelly Roberts, plus Lauren (dancer) and Mitchell (Dancer/Choreographer).

Each of the core cast took the lead or performed solo at various points during the evening. Abril La Treen owned the stage throughout the show, rocking a series of increasingly amazing costumes, and we were so very happy to agree to the request to ‘Let me entertain you.’ Kelly Roberts made a suitably powerful entrance, with a great choice of Kesha’s ‘Warrior.’ There was even a literal That Drag Show high point; we were promised aerial stunts and Karmin Dioxide delivered, with a strong piece that included aerial silks. And one of my personal highlights of the evening was Ja’mie Displays’ performance of ‘The Show Must Go On;’ powerhouse vocals and great artistic interpretation of Queen’s song, which was just perfect for a drag show.

The showcase also included several ensemble pieces, many of which referenced iconic showgirl acts—drawing on everything from Rio Carnival through to Priscilla Queen of the Desert. The sequence that began with the reinterpretation of the Willy Wonka film song, ‘Pure Imagination,’ was one of many splendid core cast set pieces. Fabulous costumes, and great choreography that included an amusing ‘duet’ between Ja’mie Displays and Karmin Dioxide, upbeat vogue moves, and Mitchell’s crowd-pleasing campy fun dance moves (show choreography credited to Mitchell and Jamie from JMC Collab).

On Saturday night the featured guests were excellent additions to the show. Drag King Zelphia Mann provided us with an entertaining ‘cupid’, appropriately set to Queen’s ‘Somebody to Love.’ And Drag Queen Tash Riot’s crowd-pleasing set included a memorable interpretation of Icona Pop’s ‘I Love It,’ complete with sassy lip-synch and moves that included a jump to splits.

In the pre-show promotion, Abril LaTrene spoke about wanting to present a showcase that would feature ‘an ensemble of South East Queensland’s top drag talent, each bringing their unique flair to the stage […] seamlessly blending old-world charm with the vibrancy of the new generation.’ Ticket-buyers were promised a show that would include ‘classic drag performances that pay homage to the roots of the art form to bold and daring displays of contemporary drag.’

The audience response to That Drag Show! suggests that Abril LaTrene’s creative vision was more than realised—with something for every drag enthusiast. I’m just sad to have missed Drag King Archie Arsenic and The Haus of Coco, featuring Drag Queens Gia Von She and Crimson Coco (all featured artists in the Friday night program). All of which means that I wouldn’t be at all surprised if this show doesn’t find a permanent home in the Valley, West End or Moorooka. There is clearly a broad range of cabaret, burlesque and drag stars available to perform, which suggests that this is a show that audiences will be happy to revisit on a regular occasion.

Catherine Lawrence

Audience information: The 2024 Anywhere Festival Brisbane program included only two performances of That Drag Show (26-27 July 2024) at the Arcana Empress Theatre, 46 Evesham St, Moorooka. Suggest 16+. Some parking onsite and in adjacent streets. Tickets: $30-40, plus $3 booking fee. 60 minutes.

The reviewer attended the 27 July 2024 7pm show.

Geoff Lawrence