So You Think You Can Drag: All Stars will bring the best of Canberra’s drag scene to the runway next month

Posted on 26 April, 2023

Fans of Ru Paul’s Drag Race, you better sissy that walk—straight to Louie Louie Bar on Saturday 27 May.

Canberra’s own epic drag showcase So You Think You Can Drag? is back (with a twist!) and Canberra, start your engines.

The ultimate celebration of Canberra’s drag scene, this will be So You Think You Can Drag’s third event, however, this year the theme is ‘All Stars’, meaning these drag artists have been hand-picked from the past two competitions to bring you nothing but tens, tens, tens across the board, darling!

A fun night out for fans of drag, Ru Paul’s Drag Race or really anyone with good taste, So You Think You Can Drag will follow a similar format to the aforementioned iconic TV show, with the All Stars competing in an array of challenges across the evening (as well as plenty of catwalk goodness) with the winner crowned at the end of the night.

For those unfamiliar with the artform, drag blends a high-octane, high-glitter mix of fashion, comedy, characterisation, musical talent and lip sync, with the Drag Race-style format challenging drag queens, drag kings and non-binary performers to show off their hilarious personalities, gorgeous outfits and jaw-dropping talents in a showdown for the crown.

Presented by Phish and Phreak Productions, Canberra’s premiere drag entertainers who have been producing local events since 2013, tickets start at just $25, with VIP tables close to the stage available for those who want have front row seats to all the glittery action. There will also be some very special guests on the night, who are yet to be revealed…

For Faux née Phish, who will emcee the night alongside Phish and Phreak Founder Corey Passlow, the evening will be an opportunity to celebrate the best of Canberra’s homegrown drag scene.

“The night will feature contestants who did really well at our first two So You Think You Can Drag? events, so these are established performers with high level performances,” she says, hinting that while she can’t reveal the exact challenges the contestants will face on the evening, if you’re a fan of Ru Paul’s Drag Race you probably will have a good idea.

She adds it’s also a chance to explore drag’s grassroots origins.

“[Drag] is not one of those exclusive artforms,” she explains. “While people’s expectations of drag may have been elevated because of Drag Race, it’s still community driven and that’s where it came from—as a gritty form of protest by people with not a lot of money but a willingness of express themselves and a lot of creativity.”

“That sort of drag is really at home in Canberra—driven by passion and self-expression.”

At the end of the night, the winner and runners up will take home a prize pack from sponsors, including goodies from Waxology Canberra, Moxom & Whitney, Four Winds Vineyard, Pink Tennis and Empress Eyrie as well as $2,000 cash.

Want to get involved? Now is your chance

While HerCanberra is proud to be sponsoring the event, Faux née Phish says they’re seeking more sponsors to make the night even more special, with interested businesses encouraged to reach out to phishandphreakprod@gmail.com.

“There’s so much going on politically around drag right now so it would mean a lot to have a lot of different businesses willing to put their name on an event.”

She adds that while it feels “amazing” to be holding this celebration of drag, it’s “laced with disappointment” because of the current climate.

“Last year when we held this competition there wasn’t this conversation about banning drag, the war against drag story time and anti-trans rhetoric. So it’s very vulnerable to hold the competition this year and say ‘We’re still here, it’s still happening’.”

However, she says she’s hopeful for a more positive future as the political pendulum swings back.

“This is the environment that drag began in and thrives in. It’s not desirable, but [drag] is about standing up and fighting back and expressing yourself despite bigotry.”

Given the challenges currently faced by drag artists around the world, it’s never been more important to support Canberra’s diverse queer community and this vibrant art form.

With the cast announced soon, keep an eye out on Phish and Phreak’s Facebook page to find out who your sensational drag competitors will be.

Start your engines, Canberra. And may the best drag artist win.