The bassy dance music pulsates through the air and neon lights are reflected in the river. Velvet, sequins, cackles – the show hasn’t even begun! The Marina Restaurant has been given a transformation of her own. I have a fangirl moment when I spy Glow Up’s Kyle De Thier in the crowd, accompanied by the majestic Tane Tomoana, he of the Mustafa mane. With these two talents involved, you can guarantee that everyone on stage will be looking fine.

Tairāwhiti’s own Diamond leads Elektra Shock and Ms Lady B through the crowd, flicking and flouncing their metallic pleated wings between tables, above tapas, around their shimmering bodies. The crowd warms up and we in the cheap seats scooch over, trying to find the perfect spot to spy the stage between the heater, pillars and sound gear. Gratefully, we are not forgotten, each performer finds their way down the back to rub up, pose, share the warmth. Those in the “splash zone” at the front feel the heat!

Thank God Bryony Skillington got bored with hospitality work and devised this show. It is the first time Dragon’s has ventured out of Auckland, sprinkling the glitter and smut, and creating baby dragons from, “celebrities. Er, Gisborne celebrities… people from Gisborne!” Ms Lady B dominates as MC, the perfectly salty comic foil to the glamazon that is Elecktra Shock. That voice! She belts out some sassy show tunes, toying with the audience. I hope you don’t mind sharing your drink…

Our other hostess, Elecktra Shock, is a breathtaking performer. All simmers and shimmers, wig flicks and high kicks, those fantasy limbs flexible beyond imagination. Her solos are choreographed to really show off her talents and show off she does! She’s a big flirt and gets the crowd moving. Isabelle Te Rauna has put together gorgeous outfits that fit her like a glove. I’m captivated. 

There are pockets of supporters for our local performers. Diamond has a clutch of friends and whanau proudly whooping her on as she elegantly slithers between tables. Her creative and eclectic costumes make her stand out as a true individual. Popular entertainer, Walter “The Wiz” Walsh is the first transformation revealed. Ever the consummate performer, he’s comfortable in character and brings some drama and humour to his song.

The crowd darling has to be Rutene Spooner. A little bird tells me he was tad nervous about tonight, but he commits and delivers. Such a diva, wrapped in serpent green sequins, fierce expressions, grand gestures, owning a nip slip and giving his all. Snaps!

Audience interaction is expected and this audience is so ready. I’m delighted that I know a load of the people getting in on the action. I love how the blokes transformed by sassy volunteer makeup artists at great speed really get in character. Then there are the bawdy games. I won’t give the details away, but awkward exes, drunken mums gone wild, fashionista best friends, all humiliate themselves for our amusement and I am there for it. With love and respect.

The show ends with a beautiful final lip synch and most of the audience on their feet too. This really is the rainbow of queer celebration that Gisborne never knew it needed.

In the words of Kylee Fleek, “Doesn’t this just make you want to cry from happiness? Bring it, you bitches!”

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