Somewhere off the coast of Australia, through the misty waters near Maroochydore, lies an island. A mysterious atoll where it is said roam beasts of unimaginable terror. Legend has it that these monsters have been created - genetically engineered, if you will - by a genius. Well maybe not a genius, but certainly a force of nature.
Yes, Queensland has opened its own version of Jurassic Park, and you’re the first guests.
Parodying everything from The Lion King to Jurassic Park, Australian politics to disaster flicks (one and the same really), and Home and Away to Wentworth, this riotous musical comedy brings together the multi-award losing team who brought you Fat Swan, Little Orphan TrAshley and the smash hit The Bodybag.
In his new adults-only extravaganza, Trevor Ashley stars as Gaye Wray (from Home and Away), an actress desperately trying to shake her soap star status. Sound familiar?
Expect ridiculous puppets, song parodies, and more out of date politicians than a Liberal party fundraiser.
The Lyin’ Queen is a new adults only spoof musical centered around the idea that just off the coast of Queensland, Australia has opened a brand new version of Jurassic Park and your audiences are the first visitors. What inspired this idea, how did the process begin and what has writing this show been like as a process (because it sounds like a lot of imagination and even more good laughs may have gone into making this one!)
I have been working on this show for LITERALLY 6 years. It’s been possibly the longest I have ever taken to put a show together. I always had this dream (since King Kong the musical) that I could put something much better together, and now, all this time later, here it is! Phil Scott and I wrote our first show together in 2003 (which is slightly terrifying) and we always laugh ourselves silly. We’re also a tough crowd, so trying to make each other laugh improves the quality of the jokes.
Touching on everything from romance to politics, what can audiences expect from this show and why should they make sure that they don’t miss it?
Well to be honest, this is by far the biggest show of this ilk I have ever put together. It is unbelievably spectacular: puppets, trees that grow before your eyes and an enormous dinosaur. I mean, who doesn’t want to see a drag queen attacked by a 10 foot Tyrannosaurus Rex? Not only that - it’s truly hilarious.
You’ve very much become the king of Sydney cabaret but have been creating pantomimes and other shows similar to this spoof for years. For fans of your cabaret, what is the same in coming to see you in a show like The Lyin’ Queen and what is different?
This is like seeing me in a musical that should really be starring an ingenue - so slightly miscast, but it adds to the laughs. This has fabulous songs, but unlike me in concert or cabaret, this is more focussed on the comedy. It’s completely different, but so entertaining. It’s also very un-PC and naughty which is always fabulous.
Last year when we spoke to you ahead of your concert at City Recital Hall you said that one of the toughest parts of this industry is always living in one year but planning 2 years ahead. Then you went ahead and produced a myriad of shows this year, including an entire Cabaret festival, and performed consistently, including in New York earlier in the year as Liza. Firstly, what inspires you and your new ventures, what grounds you in them and finally are you already knee deep into 2021…2022…is there lots more amazing razzle dazzle in store for us?
I am planning a few things - there are my concerts with Conchita Wurst and Kate Miller-Heidke in February. Plus, I turn fabulous 40 over Mardi Gras, so there’s a party to plan! There is always more to see and do… I’m excited for the future. And I think my 40’s will be fabulous.
RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS:
Favourite production you have ever seen?
GOD - Oh this is hard. I saw Moulin Rouge this year and it’s now up there as one of my favourites ever.
You’re getting on a plane tomorrow and you can go anywhere in the world, where do you go?
Greece. Always.
Dream show to perform in?
My new dream is Moulin Rouge. Global Creatures are you listening?
Plays or musicals?
Musicals.
A hobby you have beyond the theatre?
Is there anything beyond theatre? Cooking.
What’s next for you after this show?
My concerts with Conchita and Kate! Can’t wait.
The Lyin' Queen opens at the Sydney Opera House on November 26, 2019. You can get your tickets here.