“Devilish Drag Combining with Melodramatic Storytelling and Some Wonderful Circus”
Final Queen follows Grace Lightning and her quest to meet Kylie Minogue and join her world tour. There is only one small issue: she passes through a haunted house, famed for killing drag artists. Along with her friends, Jazz and Kerry, Grace must escape this place to fulfil her quest and meet an icon.
Grace Lightning is undoubtedly a star. She commands the stage throughout the show. A clearly skilled drag artist, actor, dancer and circus performer, she excels in all aspects of the performance. She is backed up by Jazz and Kerry, two other drag artists who are given life by Lightning, either in full body, or just by a couple of wigs. It is, all in all, a brilliant performance that you don’t want to end.
The story is fantastically melodramatic. It embraces its drag roots and plays up the horror perfectly. It ramps up throughout the show, starting slowly before accelerating to a shocking and hilarious conclusion. Where it shines is the drag performances that are scattered throughout. Lightning dances with perfection, and utilises her circus talents to great effect. The direction, brilliantly handled by Rachel Kerry, is spot on.
The horror elements are nothing short of fantastic. It feels like a classic slasher film, with over dramatisation and some fun moments of gore to keep the piece moving. The props and costumes throughout are wonderful, especially a routine that utilises a blue sheet as a demon. It is picturesque and beautifully done.
This is a brilliant show, and screams fun at all times. It is nearly impossible not to have a good time. It is Grace Lightning’s first time at the Fringe, and hopefully not her last.
Show Listing: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/final-queen
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Venue: Big Belly at Underbelly, Cowgate
Dates: 5th – 30th (Not 17th, 24th)
Time: 21.20
Ticket prices: £13.50 / concessions £12.50
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com
Suitable for 16+ (Guideline)