In a glamorous, sequinned off-the-shoulder number, Charity Werk proved her right to the ‘Drama Queen’ title through song, sass and sensational laughs.
It was fitting that this show appeared in one of the smaller rooms of the Powerhouse, as Charity’s show felt like an intimate backstage monologue in her dressing room, amplifying her dramatic character.
Recounting childhood memories, Charity talked high school drama (both lessons and shenanigans), sibling antics, unexpected gay influences, fitting in at law school (or not), bad sportsmanship and what can only be described as a lifelong obsession with Fanta.
While you may have heard other queens' stories of coming out, Charity’s experiences are the unconventional of the unexpected, with an intriguing family dynamic providing endless comedy material and secrets left hidden under a Melbourne home.
In a show that could at times be slow and a tad rough around the edges, the stand-out moments were the musical numbers where Charity rewrote the lyrics of popular songs to tell the story of key stages in her life with flawless delivery.
Through Missy Higgins, hits from 'Chicago' and more, Charity danced between comedic account, clever word play and eloquent comparisons, proving herself a true diva who belted out every note – there was no lip syncing for this drag queen who can hold a note.
While the show will no doubt become more polished as it is refined, it’s fantastic to see a unique comedy drag performance that is inherently Australian without being a straight (so to speak) knock off of 'Priscilla' humour.
Charity Werk made it her own as a true Australian Drama Queen.
