Messy Friends by Gendermess Productions is a deliciously chaotic, campy rollercoaster of a show that captures the joyful heart of queer friendship in all its glitter-drenched glory. Held in the intimate and electric atmosphere of The Lark at Gluttony, this hour-long variety performance is an unfiltered, high-energy celebration of chosen family, gender fluidity, and that being a little bit messy can be a beautiful thing.
From the moment a trio of drag queens enter in dresses made of x-rays lip syncing to Midnight Juggernauts’ “Shadow”, the audience is swept into a whirlwind of lip-syncs, dance numbers, original comedy skits, and raw, honest storytelling. Each vignette is laced with a delightful mix of vulnerability and bravado, alternating between laugh-out-loud absurdity and touching moments of shared experience. The ensemble’s chemistry is undeniable. They’re not just castmates, they’re clearly real-life friends who revel in each other’s chaos.
Standout performances include a jaw-dropping burlesque-inspired solo from Bobby Knox to Bjork’s “Human Behaviour” that seamlessly blends sensuality with robotic choreography, and a hilarious blind date strip-tease perfectly soundtracked by “Mini Skirt” by Esquivel! Unfortunately, there were technical issues with the audio, but the audience rallied the remainder of the dance to thunderous applause. The sense of community in the tent was palpable, between cast and audience.
The sound design and lighting were sharp and colourful, shifting the mood to support each act’s unique tone. Costumes were an explosion of colour, creativity, and unapologetic self-expression.
The show’s strength lies in its ability to blend high-energy performances with personal storytelling. Each act was preceded by a short video/audio clip that provided context and background, allowing the audience to connect with the performers on a deeper level. This approach not only showcased the incredible talent of the drag artists but also highlighted their resilience and authenticity.
When the cast bursts onto the stage for a lip-sync dance finale to Robyn’s “Between The Lines”, decked out in a wild mix of monster and flower masks, and drenched in a riot of rainbow lighting, it’s a wonderfully wacky and delightful spectacle!
If you're looking for a show that’s slick, sterile, or safe then look elsewhere. But if you want to spend an hour laughing, stomping, and cheering for a bunch of fiercely talented queers who dare to be messy, vulnerable, and completely themselves, Messy Friends is the late-night hug you didn’t know you needed.
Catch it while you can and bring your besties. You’ll leave a little more sparkly than you came.
Messy Friends is on at The Lark in Gluttony until Sunday, March 16. Get your tickets here.
**** Four stars