BarbieQ is a Perth and FRINGE WORLD favourite and icon. BarbieQ is also self-described as obsessed with Dolly Parton so it seems that a drag queen spectacular homage to the Country Western superstar and some of Dolly’s greatest hits and her personal favourites was an inevitability that Fringe is simply lucky to enjoy. Resplendent in sparkles and Dolly’esque couture throughout the show, BarbieQ hosts a imposing tower of a wig, a bevvy of gorgeously talented dancers, and drag queen friends in a sing-a-long frenzy of energy.
Opening to rapturous applause, it’s hard to tell if the audience is more a fan of Dolly or of BarbieQ and BarbieQ’s commanding stage presence and sassy hosting soon melt the difference away. What started as livestreaming of personal Dolly favourites during lockdown, evolved into a full show accompanied by gravity defying acrobatic dancing and Connection’s famously splendid lighting. The show opens with effervescent energy and proceeds to remain dynamically spirited throughout.
An effervescent and charming host, BarbieQ keeps the stage banter to a minimum in this show, preferring instead to cede the floor primarily to Dolly Parton’s music. Dolly Parton, perhaps known best for her singing and songwriting is also a highly accomplished actor, author, and businessperson. Arguably, even lesser known are Dolly’s considerable humanitarian contributions. A prolific artist, she has provided a diverse array of songs from which the show could choose from and BarbieQ has deftly created a beautiful journey through Dolly’s musical offerings. Occasionally joined by other drag queen stars in beautiful duets, BarbieQ as Dolly Parton withdraws from the stage to allow her co-stars some solo stage time which they fill with beautifully choreographed and vivacious performances.
Sold out weeks in advance, this show is deserving of its committed audiences. This spectacular provides an invigorating and electrifying way to enjoy some of Dolly Parton’s musical talent and showcases some of Perth’s darlings of the drag scene in an a captivating fifty minutest that zooms too quickly by. You’ll be clapping and cheering throughout and it’ll likely be a colourful highlight of the Fringe season.