Brisbane Powerhouse played host to a hilarious line of acts for the Melt Festival’s 'Pride Comedy Gala' event on Valentine's Day.
Leading the pack was YouTube sensation Charlie Hides. With over 66 thousand subscribers and a total of 17 million video views, Charlie is the name and impersonating celebrities is the game. Throughout the show the audience saw him emerge from side stage as Cher and Joan Rivers, as well as an original character, straight-from-the-ghetto Laquisha Jones.
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The show opened with singing nun duo, The Ukulele Sisters, who played some hilariously crude acoustic tunes for the audience.
Charlie’s Joan Rivers impersonation was, unsurprisingly, crude and borderline inappropriate, but somehow still completely hilarious. Calling out celebrities that have recently passed along with her, Joan took no prisoners.
Taking the stage after Joan, was the hilariously flamboyant stand up comedian Leigh Buchanan. Stepping out on to the stage in a pair of black heels, Leigh interacted with the audience as though he was speaking with a good friend. He told the story of how he and a friend convinced a group of American tourists that they were Irish dancers, only to disappoint when it came time for them to show off their skills.
'The Wizard Of Oz' drag performance came next, and it was fun, entertaining and totally OTT. Dorothy was first joined by the Scarecrow, who appropriately performed 'Blackbird' by The Beatles. Then came Tin Man, who performed 'Titanium' by David Guetta and Sia, and last but not least came the Cowardly Lion, performing 'Roar' by Katy Perry. The performance brought a musical element to the show, and kept the crowd pumped for the rest of the night. The group, later joined by Glinda The Good Witch, closed 'The Wizard Of Oz' segment with a performance of 'Gypsy' by Lady Gaga.
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Charlie’s Cher impersonation segment was perhaps the most memorable of the night. Opening with a duet with her late husband Sonny, she then went on to receive phone calls from the likes of the real Kylie Minogue, the real Kim Wilde, and on point impersonations of Madonna and Christina Aguilera.
Tracey Chambers was next to hit the stage. A comedic play on well-known country singer Kasey Chambers, Tracey performed a pleasant autobiographical song about how her ‘Mum Blew Up the Dunny’ after a long day of constipation.
Finishing off the show was Charlie’s original character, Laquisha Jones. Straight from the ghetto, Laquisha told the audience about her clip-on wig, which could be placed in different areas for different situations. She also advertised and tested out her multi-purpose hairspray, which she claimed could be used as a deodorant, breath freshener, and as an insecticide.The 'Pride Comedy Gala' was packed with crude humour and loads of laughter, with Charlie Hides stealing the spotlight and leading a pack of talented comedians.
