Practice, polish, and package _{by Alessia Belsito-Riera}

The first annual Wellington Drag Performer of the Year is coming in hot, bedazzled, and fierce.  

This brand-new competition will showcase Wellington drag artists’ exceptional talent and range. Throughout Pōneke’s drag scene there is a generation of prominent performers of the highest calibre; this competition intends to provide a platform through which they can be seen and celebrated – the opportunity to become role-models throughout the artistic community.  

What to expect from Welington drag’s biggest stage competition? The organisers, Kelly Fornia Productions, Den of Thurst Productions, and Dance or Die Cabaret, anticipate “practice, polish, and package! We want to see the [competitors] go all out and leave it all on the stage”. Their goal is to find someone with fire and passion “who wants to be the icon and ambassador for our queer and drag community”.  

The evening’s line-up sees Ace Gray, Vincent Temple, Selina Simone, Braiden Butter, Neon Lux, King Chloe Tamekehu, Allikins Jerome, Blink Bogan, and Maria Richman, who will be judged in three different categories. The first is Costume and Outfit, where a “fit that slays” is key to the overall presentation. Next up is Star Quality, a true entertainer will “dazzle the audience”. Lastly, on a more technical note, is Cohesion: a harmonising performance, polished lip sync, and rhythmic timing.  

“Dancing, comedy, stunts, and the most epic lip-syncs will be served” at Wellington Drag Performer of the Year on Saturday the 11^th of March at the Grand.