Created by Nicholas Reynolds. Qtopia Loading Dock Theatre. 20-22 Feb, 2025.
The comedy queens have brought their diabolically fun murder-mystery She Slayed to Sydney for Mardi Gras, and it’s not what you expect. Well, it IS what you expect (murderous drag queens + lip syncs – part comedy show, part club act), but it’s also a stealth musical theatre cabaret featuring live singing. Yes, these killer queens croon!
Welcome to Dolly Diamond’s glamorous show at the… um… okay, it’s a loading dock, but she’s determined to make the most of it. With a cast of government-funded charity cases, including the young POUSSAY, the “elderly” Rose Garden, and South African immigrant Jens Radda, Dolly is set to put on a show – no matter what that bastard critic in the front row thinks. The traditionally bitter banter of drag queens takes a darker turn however, when one of them goes from drop-dead-gorgeous to drop-dead!
She Slayed is jam-packed with showtunes to satisfy even the most up-to-date musical theatre fan. The opening number is ripped straight from the current Broadway season: the brilliant “For The Gaze” from Death Becomes Her. As the tight 70-minute show unfolds, we hear hits from Cabaret, Chicago, Annie, and more, plus some hits from gay pop icons like Kylie Minogue, Lady Gaga, and others. Each performer sings live, with the occasional lip sync included. And that’s the key to the show’s success – these drag queens are cold, hard pros who know how to work the crowd.
The murder mystery plot, full of jealousies and dumb-ass jokes, serves as the scaffolding around which these four divas riff. It’s in the ad-libs and crowd interactions that the show really sparkles. When pesky things like sound system issues, underperforming air-conditioning, or wardrobe malfunctions arise, they know how to salvage the moment and generate even more laughs.
Of the many highlights, Dolly Diamond’s audience banter is among the best. Like the seasoned pro she is, she knows how to mock the crowd without turning them against her. Another standout is Jens Radda’s brilliantly absurd rendition of “I Can’t Do It Alone” from Chicago – drag physical comedy at its finest.
With plot twists, a rapid-fire gag rate, and four top-notch drag talents, She Slayed is a definite crowd-pleaser – get your friends, grab a drink, and get a seat.
Cultural Binge 
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