Carlotta: I’m Not Dead Yet Darlings!

The audience was abuzz on the afternoon I attended. A steamy venue could not dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd as we all anticipated being in the presence of greatness. Carlotta - only first name required - is a living legend. Having packed several lifetimes into her 78 years, she was not short of material as she sashayed onto the stage.

The talented Michael Griffiths opened the show with the standard ‘As if we Never Said Goodbye’ - it was packed with perfect sentiment, given Carlotta has graced our stages and screens for the past 62 years.

Those unmistakable dulcet tones filled the space. Draped in sequins and feathers, Carlotta was met with roaring applause before she even started. Her effortless banter with the audience was nothing short of hilarious, but not for the prudish; however most appeared to know what to expect and screamed for more.

Relaying snippets from her life, followed by musical interludes, displayed her immense talent. You are left with no doubt why this performer has stood the test of time. Accompanied by Griffiths on piano and harmonies, we listened to a moving tribute to the late Peter Allen, with the songs ‘I Go to Rio’ and ‘I Still Call Australia Home’.

Highlights were aplenty, but the classic Shirley Bassey hit, ‘I Am What I Am’ was unapologetically delivered by Carlotta and summed up the 70-minute performance.

With Carlotta retiring in September, I urge you to seek out a show. This Dame of Drag is hanging up her feather boa and leaves us pondering her enormous influence on Australian culture and attitudes.

Kerry Cooper

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