Those people for whom Rupaul’s Drag Race is the only exposure they have to the drag world could be excused for believing that the life of a drag performer is all frivolity, fun and feathers. The reality is not always so idyllic. As well as holding down a day job, they need to constantly be on their A-game turning out new shows, looks, routines on a shoe string and at a pace that would make the rest of us throw in the towel after a week. In fact most drag performers need to be incredibly tireless, resourceful, multi-tasking, business-savvy super-divas in order to survive.

One of the hardest working and talented drag personalities in New Zealand, as her all too brief appearance on TVNZ’s House of Drag last year demonstrated, Kelly Fornia is obviously such a queen.

Another Wellington based HoD alumni, George Fowler, set the bar very high after his winning appearance on the show and subsequent career explosion. Kelly is, in her own way and via a different route, doing much the same. Obviously a very astute and intelligent self-promoter, Kelly is riding the wave of her national exposure and using it to further cement her place at the top of NZ’s drag community and introduce the art of drag to new audiences.

The Best of Both Worlds? is a highly entertaining and satisfying show built upon a unique and innovative concept that sheds light on an aspect of the life of a drag performer that not a lot of people would know about. A drag show with substance, this piece explores the relationship between the male performer and their drag alter ego and the toll this demanding career can have on an individual.  

Kelly and her creator Alex interact throughout the show in surprising ways, conversing, arguing, even dancing together. Alex provides notes on Kelly’s performance, helps her choose songs to perform and basically acts as her stage mother. Kelly’s demands on Alex become increasingly draining and lead to dramatic climax that reveals the ugly truth about their toxic relationship.

Despite the dark depths it goes to, this show is a joy from beginning to end. It manages to package the serious message in a show full of high camp numbers, comedy and self-effacing revelations. Kelly is a seasoned pro who builds a strong relationship with the audience within moments of coming on stage. She feeds off our energy and gives it back triplefold. Like all good drag queens worth their salt, she is able to laugh at herself and deals with glitches and wardrobe malfunctions with grace and composure.

The only slight criticisms I have with the show are to do with the script (which could use some editing) and the lip-synching not always being totally on point. Apart from that this is a show for those who are new to drag as well as those who think they’ve seen it all before.

The Best of Both Worlds? is a great night out that will make you forget your pandemic anxieties as well as providing a great insight into the complex world of the drag performer.

Kelly Fornia …(dramatic pause)… Shanté; you stay.  

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