Reviewed by: Weekend Notes
Review by Fatema Sitabkhan | 11 March 2023
The queens have proven themselves on national television and now, Kween Kong, Spankie Jackzon, and Hannah Conda are gracing us with their holy presence right here in little ol' Adelaide with a show that is so camp, so fire, and so fierce that you won't be able to handle it! The B.A.B.z World Tour is a performance that not only ticks everything off on a list of essentials in a classic drag show, but goes above and beyond to ensure that audiences leave the performance with a sense of overwhelming joy and pride as a member of or an ally of the LGBTQIA community. Throughout the 60-minute performance, we are treated to each queen taking over the stage for a solo, duet, or collective showcase of their vocal talent, their incredible choreography, and their fabulous outfits that are accentuated with a killer playlist to get everyone in the tent stomping their feet, dancing in their seats, and erupting in uproarious cheering. Backed up by the best dancers (Adrian & Marty) with infectious energies to complement the larger-than-life personas of the queens, this show will make you feel hot, heavy, and heaving for more. Sharing with us some of the inside scoop while on the reality TV show, the queens also do not shy away from demonstrating their raw and vulnerable sides, as they connect with audiences through the song and storytelling between acts, with a strong focus on looking after one's mental health and wellbeing, being kind to each other, and accepting the fact that it's okay to not be okay (and it's okay to talk about it). This is gently and beautifully executed multiple times throughout the show, where audiences are given a sense of hope within the seemingly sinking black hole of depression by feeling empowered through the various media of performing arts that unfolds on stage in a subtle yet memorable manner. This is one of the best, feel-good shows that is perfect to go to with friends, partners, family, heck even with the kiddies, and get a true taste of what an Adelaide Fringe experience is all about! You will (very quickly) realise that life is too short to not werk it, so all of you reading right now, wear your sparkliest or most glamorous of outfits, put on your dancing stilettos, snap those fingers and get ready to walk into this 'tent' that turns into a disco club for one of the most fun nights you'll have at the Fringe festival.