The queerest beauty pageant in the cosmos is to make its return to mark the New Zealand AIDS Foundation’s 30th year of operation. Queen of the Whole Universe had its swansong in July 2012. “The New Zealand AIDS Foundation, a major benefactor of the shows profits for past shows, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year so what a fantastic reason to have a comeback tour,” says Creative Director Jonathan Smith. “Cher did so why can’t we?” The long-running event will return to its original venue SkyCity Theatre for two shows in November. Smith says there will some major changes in order to keep it current and fresh however some of the crowd pleasing sections will remain. “Prepare for big wigs, high heels, sequins, choreography, surprises … the whole lot.” The 2009 Guinness World Record for the largest number of drag queens on stage in a theatrical production, previously set in 2009, may also be challenged. Throughout its tenure, Queen of the Whole Universe has helped raise funds for HIV/AIDS Charities across New Zealand to the tune of over $215,000. In 2014, QWU has chosen NZAF as its charity. The show will include a special acknowledgement to NZAF and World AIDS Day that is held internationally on 1 December, just three days after QWU hits the stage. Tickets for the 2014 show will be on sale from early July 2014 QUEEN OF THE WHOLE UNIVERSE: Friday 28th
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 4th May 2014 - 9:49am