Sydney’s queens in the big house

Sydney’s queens in the big house

The Opera House gets a taste of Oxford Street next month when a bevy of Sydney’s best drag queens descend on the iconic venue for their annual Christmas revue.

Produced by DIVA Award-winning Amelia Airhead, Drag! XXXmas will feature the talents of Dallas Dellaforce, Joyce Maynge, Les Girl legend Monique Kelly, Minnie Cooper and hostess with the mostess, Portia Turbo.

“I’m lucky enough to play Joel Grey and Liza Minnelli, so I’ve done well,” Turbo told the Star Observer of her dual hosting/performance roles.

For Turbo and the other performers, the annual Opera House stint means an opportunity to get treated like a queen after slogging it out on the scene throughout the year.

“It’s such a special feeling performing in a venue like this,” she said.

“We’re always on shit stages with awful dressing rooms, getting terrible money and performing for people who aren’t giving us full attention. So to be in a theatre is the most incredible rush.”

It’s also a chance for the wider community to get a taste of drag.

“I’d say the audience is about 50 percent people who love drag and would be in the pub seeing it anyway, and then you get mums, dads and grannies who come along because it’s at the Opera House,” Turbo said.

“It’s taken drag to a new level: it’s huge, lavish and in your face – but it’s classy too.”

The girls will perform a mix of new songs and much-loved numbers from stints in venues like the Imperial, the Albury and the Newtown, with suitably glamorous costumes created by acclaimed designer Matthew Aberline.

“Last year he put me in a chocolate box — it was the most awkward, uncomfortable costume I’ve ever worn,” Turbo said.

“This year, I get to be glamorous. Apparently I have the biggest dress in the whole show, so I’m thrilled.”

info: Drag! XXXmas plays at the Opera House from December 9-12. www.sydneyoperahouse.com

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