Can Miss France win again in Wellington? New Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown will be the head judge at the 9th Queen of the Whole Universe when it hits the capital on Saturday 12 March 2011. Creative Director, Jonathan Smith is delighted that the Mayor has agreed to be part of the show. "This is our second visit to the capital so we are extremely honoured that the Mayor has agreed to join the prestigious judging panel." Fashion designer Annah Stretton has agreed to design a garment for Buffy and Bimbo, the show's hosts and creators. The girls will wear the Stretton-inspired garment in act one. "Stretton has been a keen supporter of the event and will be featuring the Auckland show in the December issue of Her Magazine," says Buffy aka Kevin Baker. It has been confirmed that all ticket holders will be invited to the post-event party to be held at Jimmy's Bar (St James Theatre) from the end of the show till 1am. Tickets went on sale last month and Smith is worried that the locals might miss out if they don't book early as there will be over 1,500 athletes in town competing in the AsiaPacific Outgames, who are buying early. Since the show's inception in 2004 QWU has raised over $170,000 for HIV/AIDS causes in New Zealand. The ensemble of competition ‘girls' and their entourage of ‘muscle boys', that bring The Queen of the Whole Universe to theatrical life are not chosen for their drag experience, instead organisers look for those with the right attitude and the special something needed to rehearse, create and perform in this demanding showcase. Not all of the cast are boys dressed as girls – young, old, gay, straight and even women compete for the crown. QUEEN OF THE WHOLE UNIVERSE plays Saturday 12th March 2011, 8.30pm (duration: 2 hours 45 minutes, including 30 minute interval) Opera House, Courtenay Place, Wellington Tickets: $35 - $75 (service fees may apply) Bookings: 0800 TICKETEK or www.ticketek.co.nz
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 25th November 2010 - 11:24am