Skank Sinatra, doing it her way.
It’s hard to imagine Skank Sinatra (the alter persona of Jens Redda) as anything other than a glamorous, over-the-top cabaret queen. In this show, which has a very short run at Qtopia in Darlinghurst, we are treated to a brief synopsis of her life and career so far and it is a celebration of song, high femme and queer joy.
Bursting onto the stage (and occasionally into the audience) in a shiny red pantsuit, stilettos and an enormous wig (‘human hair’ ,we are told), we are soon listening to her very personal take of a Sinatra classic. A childhood in South Africa, a Danish mother, drama school in WA is just the beginning of the Skank Sinatra story. Not that it has all been plain sailing. The anecdotes, interspersed with high voltage vocals and some clever reinterpretations of Sinatra lyrics, skitter from less-than-packed houses in Melbourne and a stint with Virgin Australia, to Berlin, to New York and back to Sydney. But that was then.
Twice crowned Best Cabaret at Adelaide Fringe, nominated for Best Musical Theatre and Cabaret at Sydney Fringe, and with sold-out performances in Australia and Europe, Ms Skank is now a headliner for Pride Fest 2025.
Her show is full of sharp wit, infectious good humour and full-on renditions of classic songs. A mesmerising performer who is, quite simply, a joy to watch – and hear.
Until 22 June
Qtopia Sydney, 301 Forbes St, Darlinghurst 2010
Tickets $40-$45
https://qtopiasydney.com.au/pride-fest-2025/
