In recent years, much attention has focused on drag’s political presence and artistic future. As such, it is difficult to express the refreshing delight of watching classic drag be so masterfully represented as in The Unburdening of Dolly Diamond.
The show stars British-born drag queen Dolly Diamond (Michael Dalton), who has lived and worked in Australia since 2009. Having achieved an acclaimed career down under, Dolly returns to the Edinburgh Fringe to unload the traumas and milestones of her career, weight journey and love life.
Framed as a kind of therapy session, the comedy cabaret features anecdotes and parodies that shape a love letter to twentieth-century musical theatre. The show does not feel intentionally sentimental, but the passion that informs the show is evident and beautiful to watch. The blue humour of Dolly’s self-deprecating tales is brazen and sharp, which is to be expected having been imported from the Australian drag scene.
Between ripping the Oz from Ozempic and blasting bawdy showtunes, Dolly’s sparkling audience work produces the uncontrollable laughter that makes keeping composure a struggle. Her impressive knowledge of audiences strikes like lightning, followed by the thunderous laughter of the room that leaves even the front row victims feeling elated.
As queer performance, Dolly does service to all that she represents, fostering the kind of pride felt during football anthems and hometown carnivals. The only thing that is not “drag” about The Unburdening of Dolly Diamond is its pace, which leaves you just enough time to regain your breath.
Dolly is joined by accompanist Jens Radda, whose stunning make-up and graceful voice can be appreciated for brief moments before Dolly’s gravitational charm pulls your attention back. The pair share great onstage chemistry, and they aesthetically juxtapose older and newer styles of drag.
If you are looking for a gay ol’ time, The Unburdening of Dolly Diamond is showing at Assembly Roxy (Downstairs) until 25th August. If you are looking for a daring gay ol’ time, try sitting near the front.
