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Skank Sinatra

 
Ross Anthony Review by Ross Anthony 3 Published: 14 Aug 2025 Assembly George Square Show Dates: 31 Jul 2025-24 Aug 2025

Skank Sinatra is the sort of flaming-hot queen you’d want to take on Ol’ Blue Eyes’ mantle. They manage to flirt with their gimmick without leaning too hard into it, while at the same time showing a genuine love affair with drag culture without labouring the point. What we get instead is a standout drag performance that feels polished, professional and positively popping with personality.

Skank drizzles southern hemisphere charm and gay decadence over every aspect of this show

Jens Radda takes the role of Skank Sinatra to guide the audience through a series of big band classics – but make them queer. The lyrics have been reworked in places for a performance that feels flirtatious and at times filthy, but some slight changes in intonation achieve the same effect quite handily. A slight head tilt at the lyrics of The Lady is a Tramp, after all, and you’re most of the way into a flamboyant drag performance already.

If you’re a fan of drag acts, queer culture or, frankly, a bombastic good time, then this show is well worth attending. It doesn’t break the mould, but it doesn’t need to. Skank drizzles southern hemisphere charm and gay decadence over every aspect of this show. I wish there were something truly eye-catching in there, but this is still a great night out at the Fringe.

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The Blurb:

Winner of Best Cabaret at Adelaide Fringe, this powerhouse diva belts, banters and bedazzles with her electrifying live vocals, international glamour and camp big-band bangers, reinventing Sinatra with spicy, show-stopping twists! With her razor-sharp wit, explosive stage presence and jaw-dropping costumes, Skank Sinatra unveils her whirlwind journey from the smoky jazz clubs of New York to the flamboyant streets of Sydney, from the underground cabarets of Berlin to the savannas of South Africa. ***** (OutInPerth.com). ***** (WhatsOnInAdelaide.net.au). ***** (IsolatedNation.com). **** (One4Review.co.uk).