Kinder review (Melbourne Fringe Festival)

Drag Queen extraordinaire Goody Prostrate is getting ready for a scandalous night out, but a misunderstanding has them realising they are performing drag storytime for children and not an adult-themed drag show. With the clock ticking, Goody needs to come up with something appropriate, and fast. Written by Ryan Stewart who also delivers a sensational performance as Goody, Kinder opens the conversation on the politics surrounding children and queerness.

Stewart is incredibly passionate and committed as Goody, showing exceptional control over the character and comfortably navigating the highs and lows of Goody's temperament and personality. Their choreography and lip-syncing acts keep in line with who Goody is, and you can easily see that Stewart has become Goody Prostate.

Party Snake review | The Burrow

When we see drag queens perform, they are confident, loud and love being the centre of attention. But how often do we think about the person behind the wig, makeup and dazzling outfit? In Kotryna Gesait’s Party Snake, the duality of these two existences is explored as a drag queen arrives home from a night out only to begin getting ready for work that morning as a primary school drama teacher. 

As Queen and the man behind the persona, Lachlan Martin shows a commanding and captivating understanding of who they are, or thinks they are. It’s rare to watch someone act drunk or high in an authentic yet interesting way, but Martin ensures that despite the state she is in, Queen never stops being a layered character who continues to surprise and engage us. As Queen begins to remove her wig, makeup and clothes, Martin finds a consistent balance in showcasing the opposing nature of these lives. The closer he gets to leaving for work, the more subdued and awkward he becomes, where even his voice changes from animated and bold to meek and polite. It's an incredibly restrained performance that clearly presents an innate awareness of their character.

Panti: High Heels in Low Places review

Drag artist Panti Bliss rose to prominence in 2014 after her speech about homophobia went viral, where even the Pet Shop Boy remixed her impassioned words into a song. As part of this year's Midsumma Festival, Panti's High Heels in Low Places is the opportunity for Melbourne audiences to be personaly regaled by The Queen of Ireland's stories, experiences and thoughts.

Panti has an innate ability in creating a welcoming, open and safe atmosphere in the room as she walks into the audience, introducing herself to various people, and on the evening I attended, actually meeting one of her cousins for the first time!