Leather Lungs, queen of falsetto and stiletto, will return to Adelaide in 'Higher Love’.
It's an explosion of song. . . A night of debauchery, belly laughs and celebration, all brought together by the immense talent of Leather Lungs' four-octave vocal range and undeniable stage presence.
Come along for the ride, as Leather Lungs searches for 'Higher Love'.
There'll be a colourful explosion of song as Leather Lungs performs mesmerising renditions of the likes of ABBA, Elvis, Whitney, and more – and that's not all. Leather Lungs will come face to face with religion, fistfight with anxiety, scissor with sexuality, and disco with dildos too. What better place to experience all this, than Adelaide Fringe?
We caught up with Leather Lungs before the Adelaide Fringe season of this indulgent production.
You’re no stranger to accolades and award wins. What does this kind of recognition/acknowledgement mean to you as a performer?
I’d be lying if I said it didn’t feel extremely validating as a performer considering all the work we artists put into our craft, but honestly I appreciate accolades and awards most because of the hype and buzz they create around what I’m doing, meaning I can share my work with a greater audience. This is the best reward because at the end of the day you’re nothing without an audience.
What can Adelaide audiences expect from your show this year?
At its core this year’s show deals with adversity through humour. It’s going to be more personal but also more universal. We’ve all been through really tough times recently and if we’re honest, there are more challenges ahead. The show will be hilarious (I hope), poignant, and beautiful. . . Oh and sometimes just naughty!
And for those who might be new to the world of Leather Lungs. . . How would you describe your performance style?
Camp! Hits you in the face with high energy, belting to the gods, tongue-in-cheek humour, and moments of vulnerability and magic.
Image © Matto Lucas
Where does the story of Leather Lungs begin; how did you come to enter the world of performing and what drew you to it?
Leather Lungs will be five years old this year. He grew out of the performer in me simply wanting an ‘armour’ to allow me to say all the things I couldn’t say off stage. I’m obsessed with Judy Garland – as a child her nickname was Little Miss Leather Lungs. I loved that ‘Leather Lungs’ on its own has no gender and sounds tough (leather) but something also essential for life (lungs).
And what advice might you have for a blossoming new performer with dreams of festival slots and five-star reviews?
Be prepared to go broke, work your ass off, be okay with people not liking you, and embrace the people that support and love you. If you have any skills like sewing or design, it’s a huge help, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Your performance celebrates liberation and expression. What inspired you to create a show with these kinds of themes at the forefront?
Essentially I am trying to be something safe and inspiring for others which I didn’t see in the world growing up. If I can inspire a teenager to feel safe and be brave, or 40-year-old single mum to have the confidence to date again, whatever it is, it’s worth it!
Why do you think ‘Higher Love’ is a perfect fit for a festival like Adelaide Fringe?
It’s cabaret, it’s storytelling, it’s beautiful, and it’s funny! It’s rude, it’s crude, it’s universal, and has enough energy to blow off the big top. . . Calm down, I’m talking about the tent!
Describe your show with a single lyric from it.
Either “I just want you to know who I am” or “whips and chains excite me” – come see and you decide!
'Leather Lungs: Higher Love' plays The Lark at Gluttony - Rymill Park (Adelaide Fringe) 21 February-5 March.
