With technical errors, poor organisation, and most of the audience leaving at the interval, the Hamilton Fuel Festival's Frocky Horror Show last weekend was a shocker, reports the Waikato Times.
"Queens were left waiting for their music to start, and a DVD slide show of pouting performer pictures was amateurish and drawn out… it lacked continuity and focus. Two hours was too long and it was as padded out as a fake cleavage… the evening was Las Vegas meets The Twilight Zone" wrote arts reviewer Kate Monahan.
That was the first night, and GayNZ.com understands the second night went much better - until Hamilton drag stalwart Miss Gloriousole took a tumble on stage.
While the Friday show's problems caused a lot of heartache for the organisers, it was Gloriousole's shock fall on Saturday evening that drew the loudest gasps, confirms La Toya Jacksin of Wellington drag troupe The Glamazons, who were hosting at the time.
"I first thought it was an attention-grabbing stunt," Jacksin laughs. "She had broken her arm a few weeks earlier and was performing with a camply decorated brace over her wrist.
"I thought the fall upon the entrance for her finale was just a comedic homage to her injury. However, although it wasn't, the old girl got right back on her heels and finished the number like a true professional."
Despite great performances, the technicals were disappointing, confirms Gloriousole. "So it was as if the stars weren't going our way.
"At the finale, I managed to slip on my arse, with my shoes slipping on something I hadn't bargained for. It reminded me of my vulnerability - and ability to ride a pratfall."
Gloriousole, who once described herself as "more of a national disaster than a national treasure," has appeared at the Fuel Festival for the past six years, but following last weekend's eventful shows, has decided to "open the field for future divas."
"The old girl is taking further directions, in a case of 'watch this space'."
The Waikato Times reviewer was not completely uncomplimentary about the drag entertainment she experienced, however. "Those who stuck it out past the first interval were rewarded by the delightful Wellington quartet, The Glamazons," she noted.
"Dressed in matching sparkly frocks and stylish dos, their dance moves were well co-ordinated, their comic timing fresh and funny, a polished and entertaining performance worth the wait. These sexy ladettes should have appeared much earlier, and the first half could have taken a cut."
