Celebrate WorldPride under the stars with a cast of iconic drag talents, at Taronga Zoo's natural amphitheatre with the stunning Sydney Harbour as the backdrop.
It's a shimmering showcase of the down under drag scene, featuring Kita Mean, Spankie Jackzon, Carla From Bankstown, Coco Jumbo, Elektra Shock, Hannah Conda, Hollywould Star, Molly Poppinz, Space Horse, and of course, Karen From Finance.
There'll be lip syncs, dancing, comedy, live vocals and more, performed in group acts, duos and solos.
We find out more from the event's host, Karen From Finance.
A drag gala at Taronga Zoo! Please, tell us more about this!
We are beyond excited to be bringing the 'Drag Gala' to Taronga Zoo! From an idea that culminated in the streets of Amsterdam all the way to the main festival stage in the beautiful gardens of Taronga Zoo – this show is literally going to be a dream come true. We've got some of the best and most celebrated drag artists in Australia and New Zealand coming together for what is sure to be an unforgettable night of drag excellence.
And how about the line-up. What makes this group of performers a great night of entertainment?
The artists that we have pulled together for this line-up are seasoned experts, with years of experience under their belts, and are professional party-turners. They are the crème de la crème of the performing drag scene down under, and each bring their own signature campery and fun to the stage. It's going to be such a great mix of talent and I'm so excited for the audience to see what we all have in store for them.
Your drag name is known pretty much globally. Some might not know the story of how you got it – can you sum up Karen From Finance’s origin story?
Why, thank you! I have been getting around with the name Karen From Finance for a good decade now, and it has brought me such an abundance of joy that I could never have dreamed to be possible. The greatest thing about this character is that everyone seems to know a Karen and have their own idea of who Karen From Finance is to them. She's the office mum. The favourite drunk aunty. The person you put at the kids table at a wedding. She's an angel!
Why is Taronga Zoo the perfect venue for this inaugural event?
The world of drag is experiencing an insurgence at the moment that hasn't been seen at this scale before. With it comes messages of radical self-love and care, motivation and inspiration to be your authentic self, and to celebrate life and love in the most beautiful way possible. We're seeing drag move out of the clubs and on to main stages – and at this year's WorldPride – is there a more beautiful stage than that at Taronga Zoo? With a backdrop of the serene Sydney Harbour, the stage is going to dazzle like never before!
It’s all part of Sydney WorldPride. What does it mean to you to be a part of these huge celebrations?
Sydney WorldPride is our chance to show the world what pride means to us, as Australians. It's an opportunity for us to bask in our diverse, unique and celebrated cultures in a way that invites the rest of the world to participate and join in and celebrate with us too. As queer people, we live in one of the safest and luckiest places in the world, so this is a chance for us to inspire and cultivate culture and practices for other nations and cultures too.
You’re taking up hosting duties for this gala. Can you give us any teases on what you’ll be bringing to that role?
I am indeed your hostess with the mostess for the evening. I am looking forward to bringing the giggles and the laughs, and cultivating a safe and enjoyable space for us to celebrate our entertainers, to celebrate our audience, and to create a night that will be remembered and cherished by all for years to come.
What do you love about the idea of playing the host for an event like this?
It's kind of like hosting the family for Christmas dinner – where the success of the night lies heavily on your shoulders – but pulling it off and showing everyone a great and memorable time offers you the chance to bask in the glory and success of the evening and shine in the afterglow. Throwing a great party is just as important for the audience's experience as it is for the entertainers, and I can't wait to make this night one to be cherished – by young and old – for decades to come.
'Twilight At Taronga Drag Gala' takes place at Taronga Zoo on 2 March.
