Skank Sinatra: Qtopia Pride Fest Review

A Slick, Sparkling Cabaret That Hits All the Right Notes

Following a smash-hit season and a sweep of rave reviews—including Best Cabaret at the 2024 Adelaide Fringe Weekly Awards—Skank Sinatra made her triumphant Sydney return at Qtopia, delivering a night of unforgettable glamour, wit, and vocal finesse. 

The stage was set against a glittering backdrop of black tinsel—dramatic, decadent, and  just the right amount of dangerous. From the moment Ms. Skank Sinatra emerged, the  room—packed with a buzzing, mostly queer crowd—was utterly enthralled. The show hit its stride quickly, with appreciative snorts of amusement from the gays punctuating  the air as beloved Sinatra standards were spun into cheeky, subversive anthems. 

This isn’t your average tribute. Skank Sinatra reimagines the iconic songbook with razor sharp humour, sultry swagger, and a voice that’s as sophisticated and warm as it is  commanding. Every lyric landed with purpose, whether it was a heartfelt ballad or a hilariously naughty rework that had the audience in stitches. 

The visuals were just as sharp. In one standout look, Ms. Sinatra sported a tailored  pantsuit with oversized sleeve bows—an outfit that said both boss and burlesque. Later,  a white gown with a dramatic split showcased long, shimmering showgirl legs, drawing  gasps and gleeful cheers from the crowd. From her choreography to her killer comic  timing, every moment was delivered with precision and plenty of cheek. 

But what truly gave the show heart was the performer behind the glamour: Jens Radda.  In a moment of sincere reflection, he shared his life with partner and fellow drag cabaret artist Ms. Iva Rosebud. The story of their shared world—of performing together, living  together, and navigating the chaos of glitter, wigs, and false eyelashes fighting for  bathroom counter space—added a layer of intimacy that grounded the glitter. 

Skank Sinatra’s journey takes us from smokey New York jazz clubs to Berlin warehouse  raves and the gritty cabaret corners of Melbourne, where Jens first leapt from behind the  bar to the stage. It's a love letter to transformation, queer joy, and the power of  performance to both entertain and connect. 

Polished, provocative, and packed with heart, Skank Sinatra is a cabaret experience not to be missed. Come for the music, stay for the mischief, and leave with sequins in your  soul.

4/5 Stars