Life’s a drag in Melbourne

Kinky Boots, the musical celebrating acceptance, friendship and all things drag queen, will sashay into Melbourne next month (from October 12). So what better time for visitors to embrace their inner diva, and check out one of Melbourne’s best drag shows.

Melbourne has a thriving drag scene, with diamante-donning performers taking to stages all over the city and surrounds. From crass comedy, to highly choreographed dance routines to performers who shun traditional miming in favour of belting out their favourite tunes, there are performances that the spectrum of what drag has to offer. Here are some of the city’s drag hot spots:

GH HotelOne of Melbourne’s original live entertainment venues, The GH Hotel has recently undergone a multimillion dollar renovation, adding in a showroom that plays host to a variety of international acts, as well as its own drag and cabaret shows. There is Drag Bingo on Wednesday night, and an All Male Burlesque Show on Saturdays, but the hotel also has a reputation for reasonably priced, tasty pub food. 1 Brighton Rd, St Kilda, +61 3 9534 4189.

The 86 At The 86, granny drag queens reign supreme, with ‘Granny Bingo’ staged on the first Monday of the month. The venue is also home to one of the city’s longest-running drag shows, ‘Fellas in Frocks’, which stars ‘Christina Andrews’, ‘Polly Filla’, ‘Lexi Gaga’ and many special guests throughout the year. On the 1st Saturday of the month, ‘Karen from Finance’ hosts a mixed bag cabaret show titled Nancy, which showcases burlesque, comedy, drag and song. Go-go boys and gals roam the room and guest DJs play tunes through till the early hours of Sunday. 185 Smith St, Fitzroy, +61 3 9077 4360.

The Commercial Hotel The Commercial Hotel’s Saturday night drag show is appropriately titled Mersh-alicious and features a rotating schedule of drag shows, all of which promise to be camp and entertaining. Friday nights also featuring a drag show – this time a mix of drag kings and queens. The dining menu features standard pub fare, but the meals are generous and reasonably priced. 238 Whitehall St, Yarraville, +61 3 9689 9354.

DT’s It’s most definitely a gay pub, but DT’s is unpretentious and welcoming of everyone. The drinks are cheap, the staff friendly, and the entertainment, well, entertaining. There’s drag trivia on Tuesdays, karaoke on Wednesdays, a Friday dance party and even a Sunday sausage sizzle. 164 Church St, Richmond, + 61 3 9428 5724.