By Josie Montano & Robert McLachlan
Being fans of the top-rating smash television show of the late 70’s, which was originally
hosted by Graham Kennedy, we were very much looking forward to seeing Dolly’s show
on stage at the Brisbane Powerhouse. Written and performed by the extremely talented
Dolly Diamond, the live version of Bl*nkety Bl*nks did not disappoint at all. For one night
only, Dolly hosted her ‘adults only’ show as part of the MELT: Festival of Queer Arts and
Culture as she entertained a strong crowd of over two hundred, who sat fixated at their
assigned tables.
Not unlike the original 70’s television show, Dolly Diamond’s Bl*nkety Bl*nks contains
coarse language, adult themes and sexual references, but who noticed and who cared?! It
was entertainment at its best; the content contained variety, comedy, as well as cabaret,
and it was just extremely frocking funny!
Joining Dolly on stage were local personalities who took their seats for the duration of the
show, and were not unlike Dolly’s backup comedians as they assisted with producing their
own quick witted improvisations. Those featured celebrities consisted of publicist, writer
and producer Adam Brunes, president of the QUAC Peter Black, multi-talented Ruth
Gardner, drag queen entertainers Sellma Soul and Candy Surprise as well as talented
writer, performer and producer Natalie Bochenski (who we only recently saw perform at
her show Titanic: The Movie, The Play).
Even though Dolly had a line-up of guests as well as MC Lewis Jones who helped
adjudicate the evening, the hostess with the mostest stole the show. The cabaret Queen
held the room’s attention for over an hour with her sharp-tongued quips, comedic banter
and genius improvisation, and all whilst wearing six inch heels.
Let’s not forget the hilarious audience participation, featuring a hesitant young shy couple
who were coerced on to the stage. Chase and Miffy …. yes maybe those were or were not
their real names, their supposed innocence reminded us of the characters Brad and Janet
and we had to keep reminding ourselves that any similarity to The Rocky Horror Picture
Show was pure coincidence.
MELT is now in it’s fifth year and is an inclusive platform honouring Brisbane’s wonderfully
diverse Queer population through spectacularly entertaining events, performances and
discussions. The festival celebrates LGBTIQ+ arts and culture as well as promotes
visibility within the community.
Unfortunately Bl*nkety Bl*nks was a one night only performance for the MELT Festival ….
but to quote Dolly ‘Never let the bastards get you down’, so if you love a bit of cheek, a
great wig or two, blinding sequins, dazzling guests, glamorous gowns and an amazing
diamond wit, then I’m sure you’ll be able to catch Dolly at another of her shows …
sometime ... somewhere.
Warning: for those who wish to know Dolly as ‘the’ Ms Diamond herself, do not keep
reading otherwise it’ll be like the time you found out that Santa wasn’t real. The vivacious
Dolly Diamond is the alter-ego of Michael Dalton who is also her Agent and Manager …
naturally! Michael and Dolly originally hail from the UK but they call themselves fully
fledged Aussies now that they have citizenship.
Image Supplied
All opinions and thoughts expressed within reviews on Theatre Travels are those of the writer and not of the company at large.