To save themselves from a very high and very overdue Edinburgh Fringe tax bill, cabaret producers Dolly Diamond and Skank Sinatra decide to stage a deliberate flop for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. But when word of mouth begins to spread and ticket sales start climbing, the two drag divas realise the show has taken on a life of its own, and they are no longer in control of its success.
The Performers features a vibrant mix of live vocals and lip-syncing, including Dolly’s riotous interpretation of Dolly Parton’s sombre "Me and Little Andy", driven as much by facial expression as performance. Skank’s medley of Kylie Minogue songs is slickly executed, as is her delightful theatrical rendition of the South African national anthem. It's a random group of songs, but it all works so well.
Costume changes abound in The Performers, and there are some incredible looks being showcased, but Skank steals the spotlight, who shining, dazzling and sparkling like a true diva. However, these are arguably eclipsed by Dolly’s '17-year-old self' outfit, a moment that must be seen to be believed.
The pair have terrific comedic timing, especially notable in a scene where Skank performs '"Don’t Cry for Me Argentina" in Afrikaans while Dolly translates, clearly making things up as she goes. Dolly in particular displays a keen sense for performance agility, taking unexpected external sounds and interruptions and not only acknowledging them, but folding them into the fabric of the show with ease, keeping the energy buzzing, reactive, and completely in the room.
They perform on one of the smallest stages in Melbourne, barely large enough for one of them, let alone both. Yet clever lighting shifts and pre-recorded sound design are used to stretch the space, turning this limitation into part of the comedy rather than a constraint.
The Performers is a chaotic cabaret, but it is hard to care when it is this funny. Skank and Dolly are a perfect couple with their effortless chemistry, and their interactions with the audience are consistently gold. Their sharp instincts, quick improvisation, and obvious joy in performing together make this everything the characters wish it wasn’t: a success. What could easily have been messy is alive, playful, and fully committed to the bit, a reminder that sometimes control is overrated when the laughter is this strong.
Venue: Grouse, 171 Smith Street, Fitzroy
Season: until 19 April | Fri - Sun 7:30pm
Duration: 55 minutes
Tickets: $36 Full | $33 Conc
Bookings: Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Image credit: Kate Arnott
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