Reviewed by Georgia Cassimatis
If there’s one live theatre show that will catapult you from the Covid cocoon and into theatrical heaven, The Lyin’ Queen is it. It’s as though the powers that be gave the uber talented writers, producers and stars of this show carte blanche to be as ridiculously loud, clever, over the top and completely inappropriate as possible.
…and Totes Inappropes (as it is billed), it really is.
Starring the Queen of camp Gaye Wray (Trevor Ashely), from Home and Away who lives in LA from August to May (like every other Australian actor trying but failing miserably to get work), she desperately accepts a rather large offer from philanthropic scientist Dr Richard Rabbitborough (Todd McKinney), to star in a TV commercial about his new theme park on a remote island called Thoracic Park.
The catch is that she has to trade in her Hollywood life, for Queensland’s east coast, Maroochydore, to then get to an island where the commercial is to be filmed. Met at the border, and questioned by The Minister for Home Affairs, Karen Andrews (Shauntelle Benjamin), she heads off on The Isla Fisher boat to the remote island where she is confronted by Thoracic Park and all its inhabitants. There’s the Scomosaurus from the Pentecostal era, known as the stupidest animal to ever walk the earth, The Palasciuk Species, and a rather large gorilla roaming around called King Schlong. The only other humans known on the island she familiarises herself with is Swedish Nature loving insta influencer Garrison Fjord (Brendan Irving), Flora Fern Planetologist (Shannon Dooley) and The Native, Graffiti (Shauntelle Benjamin).
Naturally, mayhem instantly ensues in the form of storms and King Schlong roaming amok for prey, during which time fabulous duets such as the hilarious Shallow Social Media..Influencer (a take off of Lady Gaga) sung by Gaye Wray and Garrison have the audience not only in hysterics, but singing. It was at this stage I realised that wearing a mask is a plus…no one knows how loudly, or distortedly one is singing along.
So how does it all possibly end? Is the commercial filmed? Does Gaye Wray go back to Hollywood? All I can say is that Gladys makes an appearance, and in what form, and how…you will have to find out.
Definitely an adults only extravaganza, get ready for the sex scenes, aerial acrobatics, inflatables, out of work TV stars, Kangaroos, VB, Darryl Sommers, anything and everything Australiana. This show goes to every length (pun intended) for fun.
Co-Writer: Phil Scott
Angela White: Costume Design
Gavan Swift: Lighting Design
Cameron Mitchell: Choreography
Maree Delvechhio: Stage Manager
Where: The Sydney Opera House. November 30th - December 12th. Tuesday - Friday 8pm, Saturday 5pm and 8pm, and Sundays 5pm