Above: Skank Sinatra storytelling at the keyboard- in control of the comedy, the music and a clever queer transformation of Frank Sinatra classics. This and featured image: Paul Nolan.
After being part of a sold-out solo show at Qtopia’s Loading Dock Theatre in cabaret mode by the visiting, velvet-voiced drag queen- my heart, mind and Pride Fest sense of fun was belting that wish out like I was Liza with a Z.
This slick entertainer makes Frank great again, Nancy naughtier and both of them queerer icons for this quality Pride Fest event. This gem of a show stuns with swift segues to each new story. It is racy but wise, whether in spoken or sung spots and very, very funny.
This festival headliner is one of the jewels in the crown that is the quirky tiara wearing whirlwind of a month that is Pride Fest Sydney 2025.
In only its second year, Pride Fest is hurling at us a cornucopia of excellent, edgy shows at Sydney which help diverse audiences forget the challenges of modern life, the progress of queer identity plus history.
When these stories keep being told with a spirit of brazen boldness, with realities delivered from huge hearts, from Australian artists that have successfully promoted their queer talent across the globe, we can be nothing but proud as these shows inspire us to demand the freedom to be ourselves.
Above: Skank Sinatra at the Loading Dock (Cabaret) Theatre. Image: Paul Nolan.
Skank Sinatra’s slick storytelling, currently on offer at The Loading Dock does just that. It is a clever mélange of a trio of cultures in the performer’s background, at least three languages and successfully renovated Sinatra classics, telling it how it really is with a bold new swagger and loaded elegance.
This show and its instantly engaging triple threat artist flies us to the moon and back with regards to its high level of musicology, musicianship and the event’s edgy set of non-mimed musical numbers.
It traverses yet another trifecta of features too. Qualities any decent cabaret and this glittering, brave Pride Fest 2025 keeps reinforcing for us – namely our background, our genetic and community families, plus finally that when we find love that works for us pride is reborn. And we can sing hits with a queer colour, making them hilariously, heart-warmingly bent.
This trinity is deliciously delivered by Skank Sinatra with compact storytelling and a clever, well chiselled alteration of the Sinatra standards. This queen’s poise is unshakable and the trained voice plus fierce heart that is shared are massive.
We are also slayed by this drag queen’s ‘caught-you-off-guard’ wit, visual humour, intricate keyboard accompaniments, stunning costumes and a cabaret confidence that lets the atypical stories and sentiments flow and shine.
As a cabaret, a drag show, a musical event as well as sharing of queer individuality this show has superstar quality. It is a fun, fabled and impressive hour of entertainment.
Go soon and swoon.
Skank Sinatra’s solo show plays at Qtopia’s Loading Dock Theatre four more times only: June 16, 17, 18 at 6.30pm and Sunday Jun 22 at 4pm.
