The Briefs boys have a decade-long history of selling out festivals across the world, and now they're bringing their unapologetic, party atmosphere cabaret to leader Fez Faanana's home city, Ipswich (Queensland), for the SPARK festival.
The hills hoist is poised and ready to go, in a show featuring a line-up of classic cast members along with some shiny new additions.
A Briefs show is always a feast for the senses – and 'Dirty Laundry' will be no different, so turn your cycle to hot and get ready to watch the Briefs boys tumble dry, hitting up Ipswich for the first time ever.
Here, Fez gives us a bit of an insight into Briefs, how he feels about finally performing in his home city, and what audiences can expect from 'Dirty Laundry' at SPARK Ipswich.
Tell us a bit about ‘Dirty Laundry’!
'Dirty Laundry' is our newest late night party show continuing the legacy of the award-winning, side-splitting, tongue-in-cheek and celebratory production that Briefs Factory has become infamous for.
And for those unfamiliar with Briefs, how would you describe it?
It’s butch, it’s camp, it’s circus, it’s drag, it’s burlesque and it’s glittery escapism bringing the theatre, the RSL, the big top and the night club into one big shindig for everyone.
What are you most looking forward to about presenting ‘Dirty Laundry' as part of SPARK in Ipswich?
It has been a long time coming to bring a Briefs production to my home town. We started Briefs Factory in 2008, we have toured Berlin, London, Mackay, Paris, Mt Isa, Hong Kong, Townsville, New York, Grafton, Budapest, Dublin, Edinburgh and now SPARK has finally given us the chance to put Ipswich on the list.
You actually have a closer connection to Ipswich than some may know. . . Care to elaborate?!
I am pretty sure most any Briefs audience will know that I am an Ipswich boy. I celebrate and bring up my hometown wherever I go. So much of the time Ipswich can be the butt of jokes. I grew up in Ipswich and I love that Ipswich is a big part of my life and continues to be. My folks and most of my immediate family are still based in Ippy. I will always have a strong connection to Ippy and any who tries to bag it out has a giant bearded immigrant drag queen to deal with. . . !
What makes ‘Dirty Laundry’ worthy of being your first performance in your home city?
Worthy? I’m not sure if it’s worthy. Depends on who is asking. . .
What are your thoughts on SPARK as a festival?
I think festivals are more important than ever. In a time where we are out of sorts with a global pandemic, we need every opportunity to celebrate and connect with one another safely, stunningly, curatively and in a relevant way. Spark has a great programme that has something for everyone. If you can’t get a baby sitter for 'Dirty Laundry' then make sure you check out our all ages production 'Brat Kids' which is also part of SPARK this year at the Ripley Town Centre.
Why do you think the event itself is important for the local community?
Everyone deserves the opportunity to access a variety of entertainment. We are doing our best to reach as many audiences as possible. We love to spread laughter and glitter across our beautiful country with the luxury of reaching capital cities and regional towns that we may have never reached otherwise.
How are you hoping audiences respond to the show?
We encourage our audiences to undo their seatbelts, have a bevy and embrace the ridiculousness and the extraordinary talents that each performer brings to the table.
’Dirty Laundry' plays Ipswich Civic Centre 18 July as part of SPARK Ipswich.
