D.R.A.G. is a play of sorts about a drag club called Lady T’s that is losing its venue after 30 years and needs to move. Its eponymous creator died some time ago and the club is now owned by aging queen Adena Delights (Adam Burrell) and managed by drag king Hugo Grrrl (George Fowler). One of the club’s senior queens Slay West (Levi Waitere) is moving on and needs to be replaced. Hugo is desperately trying to keep the doors open and shift the place, but Adena has basically checked out.
The play is in two halves – the first is set behind the scenes as the three argue, reminisce and cajole each other. There is great love between them all, but also some bitterness and frustration. It also featured a guest (as will every show during the season), and on opening night it was Bryony Skillington who brought her usual panache and fantastic energy to the stage and belted out one hell of a ballad.
This first half was also very political. The script took pot shots at alleged transphobia in Ru Paul’s Drag Race and gave us pointed reminders that transphobia, sexism, racism and yes, even homophobia exist within our own rainbow communities and that prejudice can exist in every group or identity even when we claim our own uniqueness and rights.
These issues are genuinely important and it was great to hear them, but occasionally the exchanges on these topics felt a little hurried. Perhaps a more relaxed delivery would have given a little more oomph to the script.
The second half of the night was one hell of a good drag show replete with a bevy of anthems from the artists we adore – Cher, Madonna, Donna Summer, The Village People and others – Adena, Hugo, and Slay, basically slayed it. The costumes, the lip synching, the moves – pure bliss and high energy.
Overall D.R.A.G. was a fun night out that reminds us all of the wonderful creativity and diversity of our queer community.
Watch my interview with Adam Burrell (Adena Delights) from the show:
D.R.A.G.
13 Nov – 6 Dec 2025
Q theatre Loft, Auckland