Felicity’s Score: 3.5 /5 schlongs
The Lyin’ Queen amps up the camp in its current showing at the Sydney Opera House.
The brainchild of Trevor Ashley and Phil Scott celebrates Australian culture within a plethora of reference bedazzling this big and bright production. Trevor Ashley is has-been actress Gay Wray (from Home and Away) who has spends her time in LA trying to be taken as the serious actress she is. At a time most poignant, she is selected by mad scientist Dr. Richard Rabbitborough to be the token celebrity in a brand new theme park off the coast of Queensland. Role of a lifetime, right?
Full of mischief and overt naughtiness, Ashley (and his myriad of dazzling costumes: thank you Angela White) stars in this joyous spectacle. Elenoa Rokobaro’s incredible vocals and grounded performance nicely offset the fantastical Brendan Irving, Shannon Dooley, and Phil Scott. The grandiose set and fun parodies solidify the lively night. Everything from aerial silks to King Schlong create a visual feast, and it’s these moments peppered with the real ‘people’ on stage having a good time that draws the audience in. When a prop fails, or something else goes wrong, or a joke hits the cast, Trevor Ashley and his team take it in their stride and just have fun with it.
If you’re looking for a good time, and the doctor has ordered a big ol’ spoonful of camp, The Lyin’ Queen might just be the remedy you’re looking for.
Photo credit: John McRae
Felicity Anderson, Theatre Now
