Gingzilla: Glamonster vs The World | 1907 Palace | til Feb 4 | ★ ★ ★ ★ 

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From the get-go of walking up to the 1907 palace venue, I had absolutely no idea what to expect of the night, having absolutely no knowledge of cabaret, when suddenly I was met by Ben Hudson, the man behind the 7ft tall drag persona Gingzilla, and consequently referred to as the luscious blonde boy upon approaching.

Draped in the luscious reds and golds of a classic bellboy ensemble with a feminine twist, Hudson was greeting and ushering in members inside and towards the seats whilst handing out petite helpings of popcorn.

Hudson was quick to build rapport with audience members as he greeted and exchanged words with each audience member that was ushered in before the show. As I took to my seat towards the front, away from the aisle seats, I noticed the stage setup was quite simplistic, which proved to be highly effective as the night progressed. With only a stage, a screen, a projector and one light, Hudson quickly proved that simplicity really is the ultimate sophistication.

The lights dimmed, the musings of Paramore’s album After Laughter slowly dissipating, Hudson started the evening with an important Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians of the land, the Whadjuk people. Preceding this welcome, it became readily apparent through the introductory video clips that the story presented in Gingzilla: Glamonster vs. The World is a series of stories set in a 1950s drive-in, that we have all seen before: Godzilla, Attack of the 50ft Woman, and King Kong, albeit with added comedic edits, sass, ass and
impressive vocals.

While at times reminiscent of Dua Lipa’s New Rules, Gingzilla: Glamonster vs. The World begins much the same, with the narrating voice over acting as the catalyst for Gingzillas makeover into a Glamazon, Hudson cleverly juxtaposes traditional vintage film and dialogue with contemporary culture and music. Seamlessly transitioning from acting and modulating different, distinctive personas to impeccable, pitch perfect, and at times comedic vocals, that captured both classics of the 50s era right through to contemporary music. The main highlight of the vocal
performances was a fresh, moving and soulful take on Tina Arena’s classic Chains.

Costume changes were brief, and Hudson’s production ensured that audience members always remained captivated and engaged. Whether this be audience members being brought onto stage to be salaciously fed iconic movie-going foods like  popcorn, ice creams and canned drinks, further pushing the boundaries of the 4th wall by implicating audience members as props or engaging with witty footage that provided depth and progression of the plot, or to set the scene for the following act.

Despite not knowing much in the way of cabaret, I entered with an open mind and left in a paroxysm of laughter. Gingzilla: Glamonster vs. The World is a spectacularly
written production that is well worth watching.

Gingzilla: Glamonster vs The World is terrorizing 1907 Palace until Feb 4. Tickets and more information available from fringeworld.com.au

Alex Westin