Okay, let’s get this straight, Leather Lungs (Jason Chasland) is seriously bent and unbelievably talented, and ‘Son Of A Preacher’ is hands down the best cabaret/drag show I’ve ever seen – and I’ve seen a few.
From the moment he hit the stage it was clear that this was not going to be another ‘run of the mill’ glammed-up lip-syncing exercise in vanity. With a spine-tingling vocal range spanning four octaves and the ability to move effortlessly from one genre to the next, Leather Lungs’ voice is one of a kind.
While his season at Wonderland marks his first visit to Brisbane, Leather Lungs is no newcomer to the stage; he is an internationally-recognised artist who has worked with Adele, performed at the Globe Theatre, sold out shows in Hollywood and stunned audiences around the world with his savage wit, outrageous costumes, and captivating stage presence.
But ‘Son Of A Preacher’ is much more than just a showcase for this man’s astonishing vocal prowess and comedic talents. It is also incredibly poignant, with Leather Lungs using the stage as a platform for social commentary, delivering a lesson on sexual acceptance, gender fluidity, and self-identity. These moments are genuinely heartfelt as Leather Lungs weaves his own personal story into the show. It’s not maudlin or self-indulgent and the response from the audience is clear. They understand he is speaking truth and they show their appreciation with spontaneous applause.
Filled with innuendo, expletives, feathers and (faux) leather, not to mention an oversized dildo, there is nothing that is off-limits for this one-man tour de force. Religion, anxiety, relationships, online dating, loneliness, and even his parents (who were in the audience), are all subject to his rapier wit.
Leather Lungs is also incredibly agile and dances across the stage in dangerously high stilettos, displaying a flexibility that would be the envy of most women – let alone men. Seriously, how does anyone do the splits like that – particularly when you’re wearing a bondage-style costume?
Pausing only for a drink, Leather Lungs delivers a string of party anthems by Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner and The Weather Girls before launching into a searing rendition of John Farnham’s ‘You’re The Voice’. Given the current socio-political climate and the rise in divisive and populist politics, the lyrics are more relevant than ever and Leather Lungs’ delivery is downright chilling in its intensity.
‘Son Of A Preacher’ mixes falsettos with stilettos, pokes fun with puns and will undoubtedly have you doubled over with laughter. It will also also leave you gasping, shocked, speechless, awestruck and captivated way after the show has finished. Quite brilliant really!
★★★★★
