A busy time ahead.. & another Drag Queen?

This week, I started rehearsals with Charisma Belle and Ru Bella for the "Pirates" show I've created for Cube Nightclub in Canberra for Aug 17th.

Things have been coming along well. These girls are quick learning choreography, and that makes my life so much easier when I try to bring all of the show elements together. Costumes, soundtrack, choreography and props don't magically appear, and it's taken me a lot of prep-time to get it all organised, but we are getting to the home stretch now, so things are coming together quite fast - which is a HUGE relief!

Added to all this, I am creating a MASSIVE pirate flag to hang as a backdrop, which I think will really add to the show and to the theming of the club on the night!

Tied in with my birthday and DIVAs - the few days of the 15th-20th Aug are going to be long, exciting and fabulous!

I'm bursting to get to the start of that week.. so excited....!!!!

Now, I also came across online a fab personality "Queen Miss Left Titter", Sydney's camp drag PUPPET! My love for puppets and drag has been combined with this gorgeous creature and I immediately had a brainwave - contacted DIVA, and now she is presenting the Showgirl's Choice Award at DIVAs on 20th Aug! Can't wait to see her in action! She is an absolute cack! Search for her on Youtube, or myspace.com/queenmisslefttitter.. (I've, very generously, been invited on to her show, so watch out for that in the near future!)

Until next week, look after you friends, family and yourself!

Luv Shelley
xxx

DIVA Launch 2007

Well it is that time of the year again.. the last few weeks in the lead up to DIVA!

For those who don't know, DIVA is the Drag Industry Variety Awards. It annually recognises and awards the work that the drag personalities in Sydney do each year as part of their profession. It could mean awards for best show, costume design, fundraising.. and well, for even being a bitch!

It is the one night of the year you can be guaranteed a fun-filled night - with catty bitchiness ensured throughout the evening of course!

The Awards were launched on Monday night at Stonewall Hotel to a packed crowd.

Courtney Act, together with DIVA Chairman Paul Croft, filled the crowd in on all the important details of the night - such as the theme (Disco Fever), the hosts, how to purchase tickets, the venue, how the night will run.. etc.

Of course the biggest part of the launch night is the Poster reveal. This is always a hot topic! Which showgirl is on the poster? How does it compare with previous years..?

Well, former Entertainer of the Year, Miss Minnie Cooper was the poster girl this year and looks FABULOUS on the poster! I would describe the poster as a mix of Madonna meets Ms Ross and it is a very hot look and theme for this year's DIVA!

Right away after the official proceedings of the launch of course is the discussions about what shows are lined up for the night, who is sitting with who, and most importantly, what to wear!

To those who have asked, I repeat... this year I will not try to take back the Belle of the Ball crown I won last year - I plan to keep a lower profile this time around. Besides, the creation that Abbey Rhode made for me last year (Flower dress) is a very hard one to top! I LOVE that costume! (See www.shelleylegsdiamond.com for pics!)

I'm pleased that I managed to get a table front centre again for the night, with the owner of Cube (and guest), friends Grant and Kelley (and guest), Kath (and guest), and work colleague Rochelle joining the boyfriend and myself at the table! A full and fabulously placed table with some gorgeous friends will mean an awesome night for sure!

I also have been asked this week to be part of one of the shows for the evening, and am VERY excited about it! It sounds awesome and looking forward to the start of rehearsals!

Well I guess that's all to report so far.. I will certainly update with more details as we get closer to the night! If you are in Sydney for the Monday 20th August, get your ticket to the DIVA awards through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com.au or 136 100).. You will not regret it!

Take care..

And until next time, look after you friends, family and yourself!

Shelley
xxxx

My (grumpy but productive) week!

This week I have still been recovering from my cold/flu, but tried to make use of the time working on shows and such..

I started the week OK, managing to make it to work on Monday morning, after being sick for days already over the weekend before. However, after vomiting at work on both Tuesday and Wednesday, I left work an hour early on the Wednesday arvo to go see the doctor. Mind you, not that anyone at work seemed to care one bit that I was leaving early sick that day - pricks! (I hope you're reading this so you know how rude you were!)

Anyways, after seeing my doctor and getting some medication, I settled in at home for a warm night in. This gave me a chance to work on the new show I've created for Cube, for their special themed night on 17th August! (I won't reveal the theme until they do.. but it's lots of fun of course! I love dress-up nights!)

The soundtrack has turned out brilliantly - in fact I think it's one of my favourite soundtracks for shows I've ever done! I'm very much looking forward to doing some choreography and getting into rehearsals ASAP - as even that process is going to be fun!

I had a quick meeting with Charisma Belle and Ru Bella on Thursday evening and they are excited about the show and soundtrack, so will keep you posted how everything turns out!

I've also been working on my myspace site - so there are more pics, videos and new layout etc - If your not on my myspace friends list yet, hurry up and contact me - the more the merrier!

I have not spoken about greeny stuff lately, but I did watch the (appalling) "The Great Global Warming Swindle" on the ABC on Thursday night... Apart from the pathetic mis-informed and proper gander-ish documentary that it is, I was surprised about the cold reception Tony Jones (reporter/presenter) got from a number of the guest panelists! To single out one particular wench, Michael Duffy, a columnist at the SMH, could only contribute his bitchy comments about Tony's interview style rather than any meaningful comments on the topic at hand. Hence why he thereafter sat idle through the discussion. That'll teach you Mikey! A little respect goes a long way..

Anyways, jumping down from my soapbox, my week ended with the 1st birthday of Mr Mary's in Redfern last night.

After having a glass of champagne on entry, I got to chat with a few friends and watch some fab line-up of entertainment. For the birthday night, Mr Mary's showcased each act that is to be held there each Saturday night on a rotating basis.. Hugh Monroe, Rose Hancock (Lesley Hancock), The Frocks and J Bear.

My fave by far is Rose Hancock, the camp impersonation of Rose Porteous - married to the late mining tycoon Lang Hancock. Lesley does a fabulous job and it's a high camp, bitchy sing-fest. She will bring me back to watch her - LOVE HER!

Make sure you head down to check out the different shows over the weeks.. it means there is always something new whenever you turn up during the month on a Saturday night!

I'm finally on the mend now, so I'm looking forward to a return to a normal week of work!

I'll catch you next week babes!

Take care..

Shelley
xxx

Ship Ahoy!

Sorry that I did not make my deadline of Sunday for my blog, but I was on a sailing ship for most of the day - and sick too at the same time!

As my present to my boyfriend for his birthday, we had tickets to sail on the "James Craig" on Sunday. This very old ship has an amazing history - which I won't get into here, but you can read up on it at the Australian Heritage Fleet website... http://www.australianheritagefleet.com.au/JCraig/JCraig.html

Now this was an AMAZING ship.. I don't know much about these massive sea-going vessels (the bf does!), but all I can say is there is lots of sails (21 in fact!) and an incredible amount of of rope... a kinky boy's paradise!

It's hull is metal, but pretty much the rest of the boat is wooden. Three large masts dominate the ship, and as you would imagine, is impressive under full sail.

We boarded the boat just after 9:30am to an accordion player jigging away - little did I know he was starting what was to be the longest musical gig I've ever seen someone do! I thought is was actually a delightful addition to the trip, giving an old-time feel. (Oh.. *MOAN* I sound like an old biddy!)

We were looked after well with coffee and tea, biscuits, fruit, cheese, all provided for the morning and afternoon tea breaks, while for lunch we were each given a packed paper bag full of goodies.. Being vegetarian, our lunches included two small vegetarian rolls, a quiche, muffin, fruit juice and a nut/fruit bar. (I wondered why bother serving them in paper bags.. but then I guess the paper bag could double later to store the food if it came up again with sea-sickness!)

All this was nice, except on such a COLD day on the water, and with your truly with a cold/sore throat already, I wish we had maybe something warm for lunch. The warm tea though really did help to keep the insides warm.. I will have to remember that next time!

As far as the route we took, as of the time we left, we were told we would simply be taken where the winds blew. For this reason, each cruise route is obviously different every time. As most passengers, let alone the crew, are there to enjoy the ship when in full sail, we were at mercy of the weather. We used the propeller engines to clear the harbour, and after a quick "man overboard" emergency drill in Watsons Bay, we were clear of the heads and had the sails down.

For this trip we made our way south only a short distance, to be in line "The Gap" and then made our way almost steadily East - straight out into the open ocean.

All while we travelled, we watched the volunteers run about the ship pulling and easing ropes as the Captain ordered. As passengers, we were even encouraged to get involved with all of the action. I declined, as I was under the weather.. plus I have girly arms anyways!

It was an interesting cruise, ranging from a sunny day at the start with sheltered and almost flat waters, to some rainy weather with a little bit of a squall later on. With a brief view of a whale and of course the American Fleet (particularly the "Kitty Hawk") in the harbour, it was a cruise with much to see and experience.

By the time we got off the ship at 4:30pm - we were completely exhausted, but happy. The bf certainly enjoyed his present - he had a smile from ear to ear. (I love you baby!)

It is something that would be wonderful to do again - preferably when I'm not sick with a cold! I'm not a water/ship sort of person at all, but I had a wonderful time, and I encourage anyone to go along and experience a cruise on a Heritage Ship - it will be like nothing you have ever done before!

Until next time, take care sweeties!

Shelley
xxx

Cube Crew in Sydney..

Well my part of my week was spent with the Cube Crew who travelled to Sydney (arriving Thursday eve, leaving late Friday night) to check out the clubs and pubs. Of course Charisma, Ru and I were happy to show them around and hang out with them again.. So much fun! They had a ball too which was fab to see!

While out, we caught the closing night of the Thursday show at Imperial Hotel. It was sad that the new drags (with so much talent!) had their first show come to an end so soon, but then that is showbiz! You never know whats gonna happen.. Not much stability and security in Drag Shows!

In any case, well done to Summer Salt, Millie Poppins and Carmen Geddit for the fab version of the now classic Thursday Night shows with Mitzi MacIntosh. It was strange to see different people in the roles of the original casts, but they bought their own magic to the show and I look forward to their next shows.. maybe I might even poach them and put them in my new shows.. Hmmmm... (BTW girls, the spot numbers were CAMP!)

Then after Imperial we went to Arq.. OMG! "Drag for dollars" was a completely bizarre experience - well to what I expected! The drags were few in number, so there were some courageous patrons who got up and danced for the $100 bucks on offer.. In the end the drags lost to the two lesbians who came a draw for 1st place. What was strange was that they simply danced to music - as if there were surrounded on the dance floor. No specky moves.. No real entertainment value... Though there was something strangely entertaining about watching someone wasted dance that makes you wanna keep watching.. It was pointed out to me however, they obviously needed to win - the money would have helped get them something to bring them back to Earth! *wink*

But the real surprise of the evening was the Arq Divas show.. AWESOME! The girls had so much fun performing their boxes off and the crowd ached for it! Well done to my girl Charisma Belle and to Minnie Cooper, Kitty Glitter and Miss Tiffany.. It was inspiring!

(A quick mention about Miss Tiffany.. I have mentioned previously here, that she won the talent quest to join the show and she has fit in perfectly with the cast! She did an incredible spot number - such a pleasure to see, and danced beautifully with a very experienced cast! I didn't realise how small she is... In fact she is SMALLER THAN ME! I'm not the only cross-dressing midget in town! Hooray! - [I say that with love btw!])

After a long night partying at Arq, the next night we were at Stonewall, catching the end of Ru Bella's cabaret show, then headed back to Arq, this time to the girls only (not quite!) night - which was great fun.. Well except for the lesbian that didn't like my shoes.. Who would have thought they would care about shoes???!!! And honey, just for the record, I didn't like your "chair-print" sneakers myself!

We stayed for a while, then headed to Midnight Shift, checking out the club upstairs before I walked the Cube Crew back to the Hotel in time for their scheduled drive back to Canberra.

It was nice to take people around to our different pubs & clubs.. It reminds me of the variety of venues we have - and that I even take for granted.

There are some great shows happening around the place - and lots of fun to be had watching them! DIVAs is around the corner too don't forget! Make sure you support the venues as if you are not around, they won't be anymore either!

Until next week, take care sweeties..

Shelley
xxx