Presented by the Feast Festival
Reviewed 20 November 2014
Carlotta is an Australian favourite and a perfect fit for the Feast Festival program. The former star of Les Girls was Australia’s first transgender star and was a trailblazer for the many who have since followed. Les Girls was a famous floorshow and Kings Cross icon in Sydney and it attracted tourists and celebrities from all over the world.
The troupe performed on Kings Cross for 30 years from 1963 to 1993 before going on the road and touring Australia, creating the inspiration for the hit Aussie film, Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Carlotta has also appeared on TV including a role in the old soap opera Number 96 and as part of the panel on Beauty and the Beast.
Opening the show by miming the 70s’ disco hit I Love the Nightlife, Carlotta went on to demonstrate some of the wit that has made her so famous by making quips about the venue, claiming she was performing on a stage that looked like Liberace’s tomb.
At 71 years young, Carlotta still has it and she certainly knows how to work an audience too. A little challenged by the venue stairs and feeling restricted by the overly elaborate costumes, while trying to sensor herself in front of an adoring 12 year old fan, Carlotta somehow still managed to be herself and confidently shared hilarious moments from over five decades of working on the stage and screen.
Carlotta has enjoyed her years in the spotlight, has led an incredibly interesting life, and seems more than a little miffed that the character she inspired was not portrayed by someone better looking than Terrence Stamp.
Full of song, dance, filthy and risqué jokes, adult themes and even some partial nudity, Carolotta: Live and Intimate is certainly not for children.
Ending the show with the audience out of their seats dancing, clapping and singing along, Carlotta demonstrated why she has always been a successful entertainer and this cabaret will certainly leave you feeling wonderful.
Reviewed by Ceri Horner
Twitter: @CeriHorner
Venue: Nexus Live
Season: 20 & 22 November 2014
Duration: 60 minutes
Tickets: $25.00 – $30.00
Bookings: Book online through the Feast Festival website, or tickets at the door if not sold out.
The Feast Festival runs from 15 – 30 November 2014.
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