Stars and style for DIVA

There’ll be glamour, production numbers and some of the biggest names in drag -“ and that’s just at the curtain-raiser.

Organisers of this year’s Drag Industry Variety Awards (DIVA) are promising a sneak peek at the late August event at an official launch night at Stonewall next Monday.

DIVA spokesperson Helen Ryan told Sydney Star Observer the theme at the 28 August Star City ceremony would be global with a local flavour, she said.

As in 2005, there will be six production numbers and 21 award categories at next month’s DIVA.

Ryan was coy on the details, promising launch hosts Candy Box and Maxi Shield would reveal more next Monday.

Ryan could confirm three big-name drag stars would take up hosting duties again as the DIVA ceremony celebrates its 16th birthday this year.

Last year, multiple DIVA winner Mitzi Macintosh, sometime cabaret star Cleopatra Coup?nd former Australian Idol pin-up Courtney Act worked the DIVA stage.

Would the same trio return to Star City next month?

I can’t give away anything, it just detracts from the night, Ryan said.

One prominent Sydney showgirl was more forthcoming, suggesting Macintosh and fellow drag identities Verushka Darling and Vanessa Wagner would oversee DIVA proceedings this year.

The DIVA 2006 launch is on at Stonewall on Monday 24 July from 7:30pm.