The country's queerest beauty pageant, Queen of the Whole Universe, is expanding to a venue three times the size of last year's to keep up with demand from both punters and a larger number of contestants. Last year's event, the sell-out Queen of the Whole Pacific, was held in an 800-seat theatre. Organiser Jonathan Smith says it was a bit of a risk to step up to the 2200-seat ASB Theatre in Auckland, but it has paid off with tickets selling extremely well in advance of the pageant's advertising campaign. "I think we are going to sell out," he says. Described as "a spectacular night of glamour and entertainment", this beauty pageant with a twist is a fundraiser for the New Zealand AIDS Foundation, which puts the money toward important HIV/AIDS and community advocacy work not funded by its Ministry of Health contracts. Executive Director Rachael Le Mesurier says the fundraising is important, but so is the visibility the event creates for the gay community. "This is our chance to celebrate and applaud the value of diversity and the contribution gays make to Aotearoa New Zealand," she says. "Building supportive environments within the mainstream for minority communities is an essential component of our campaign to reduce the spread of HIV." The extra space in the larger venue will be put to good use by more contestants, more countries, more competition, and even a hint of intergalactic tomfoolery. The 2005 pageant boasts contestants from as far away as Uranus. Ticket prices begin at $35, but those wanting a decent view of the action can pay a bit more for B Reserve ($45) or A Reserve ($65). There is also a Premium Plus option ($119) which includes an A Reserve seat, dinner and a glass of wine at the Aotea Centre's Limelight restaurant prior to the show. All ticket prices include an after-event gathering from 11pm – 1am on the 5th Floor of the Aotea Centre, where punters can hob-nob with cast, crew, and the lucky winner.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Wednesday, 3rd August 2005 - 12:00pm