Writer: Bi-Curious George
One of the most common attacks on queernees is that it’s not natural; that other species do not conduct in non-heterosexual activities means that homosexual behaviour is unnatural and therefore wrong. The problem with this is that there actually is a wealth of examples of ‘queerness’ in the animal kingdom and Bi-Curious George seems to have made it his mission to find out all about it.
In Queer Planet, Drag King, Bi-Curious George, gives us cursory peek into the genderbending, sexually fluid animal kingdom. George presents himself as a hybrid of David Attenborough and Australian naturalist, Steve Irwin, introducing us to some of the creatures that fall into this group. Through some wonderfully home-made arts & crafts-inspired accessories, dance, lip synching and singing, George shows how some of these animals live a varied sex life. Be it polyamorous dolphins, dominatrix angler fish, gay albatrosses, snails, or seahorses.
George, despite doing a more than passible impression of a horny snail, is a hugely energetic and very likeable performer. His Attenborough-like delivery perfectly sets the scene for this carnal peek at the animal kingdom, whist his physicality brings a charming humour to the depiction of the animals.
Towards the midway point we’re introduced to some special guests that leverage the animal theme for their own performances. Drag King Richard Energy provides an entertaining machismo-tinged stand-up routine, while trans performer Die Lemma stops the comedy in its tracks with a couple of haunting songs that reflect her trans journey and experiences. Whilst both performances are entertaining, with total show running time being just an hour, they feel surplus to requirement.
Without the trappings of a cabaret club or theatre, George provides cabaret at its most inventive. Yes, it’s in a damp and chilly railway tunnel. Yes, the audio system makes the narrative hard to follow at times. Yes, the costumes look like his 6-yeard old niece made them. And, yet, Queer Planet is wonderfully funny, entertaining and surprisingly educational. And to top it all off the encore is a hilariously rewritten version of The Animals Went In Two By Two that will have you running to the internet to find the lyrics.
Who knew animal sex could be so funny?
Runs until 4 March 2023
The Reviews Hub Score
Daft, Funny, and Educational.
