A cabaret show with drag queens singing pop songs may not be the most novel premise for a Fringe show, but then not every show features Polly Amorous and Esther Parade. Polly and Esther is a fun, camp affair and a touching tribute to found family and embracing queerness.
Inspired by the real-life friendship of the two performers, Polly plays a veteran drag queen who, through the power of magic, is granted a friend. They quickly see that there is something special when they work together, as does yoghurt-based probiotic company ‘Mulk’, who snap up Polly and Esther for their advertising campaign. Mulk’s rainbow capitalism and destructive business practices cause tension between the two performers, and Polly must make a choice between fame and friendship.
If the plot of Polly and Esther sounds a bit heavy, don’t worry, lots of humour and music are thrown in for good measure. Highlights include a drag training montage to “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” from Mulan (though this time it’s “I’ll Take the Man Out of You”). We also get to see all the ridiculous adverts for Mulk, complete with seaside face-in-the-hole boards.
The real star of the show is the rapport between Polly and Esther. Though both quite different people from different schools of drag, they perform fantastically together and manage to strike a tone that suits both of their sensibilities. The story of the show appears to be inspired by their different career trajectories, which gives some dramatic heft to an otherwise flamboyant and silly show.
Though it moves the plot along, the satirical element is a little too on the nose to be effective, but is satire really why you’re at a drag cabaret show? Polly and Esther delivers a funny, naughty, and boisterous good time with a surprising amount of heart.
