Skank Sinatra: The Name on Everybody’s Lips

Skank Sinatra is without a doubt the most delicious drag diva at the Fringe! Skank (AKA Jens Radda) tells his life story and pays more than a tribute to musical theatre and cabaret in his latest production, Skank Sinatra: The Name on Everybody’s Lips. I saw his production last year and loved it. This year he has surpassed himself with a deeper look into the man behind the drag!

In an all too short 60 minutes Skank (a genuine triple threat) serenades us, dances, teases us and most of all entertains us in a plethora of frocks ranging from a shimmering blue cocktail dress, white tails and showgirl outfit and a gold cape dress to name a few. The changes are covered with  recorded conversations between Radda and Liza Minelli.

Sinatra has a voice that ranges from baritone to lyric tenor. He croons, belts and ensures that every word is heard (even when the production in the next venue became intrusive). He has the ‘best legs in the business’, especially when they are teamed with silver sparkling high heels.

His show also is a lesson in how to be a cabaret performer – the element of surprise, setting the tone, building suspense, diversify your portfolio and welcoming applause.

As in his last show, he has taken songs and added some of his own lyrics. The songs range from ‘Luck be a Lady’, ‘Cabaret’, The Circle of Life’, ‘Someplace Green’, ‘Being Alive’ to the finale ‘It’s for the Gays!’.

Skank also pays homage to his heritage (Danish – I loved his Danish version of the Aussie BBQ) and his Grandfather or Opa, his inspiration and the guiding light in his career and then his growing up in South Africa.

One of the highlights of the production is a heart-rending rendition of ‘Don’t Cry For Me Argentina’ in Danish, a role he had yearned for as a year 7 boy. In an ice blue dress, mike and with the iconic hand positions of the original version, it is a moment of stillness in a high energy production.

Skank also pays tribute to the grand ladies of the musical stage, particularly Patti Lapone. Musical aficionados will recognise the recording of the legendary Ethel Merman singing ‘Everything’s Coming Up Roses’ from Gypsy.

My favourite section of the production was Skank’s brief dalliance into cinema. He was cast as Maria in a version retitled the Sound of Moaning. His version of ‘My Favourite Things’ with changed words is one of the funniest things I have heard this Fringe.

For a large proportion of the production Skank is accompanied sensitively by Josh Belperio, no stranger to cabaret himself.

Skank Sinatra: The Name on Everybody’s Lips is the best money you will spend at the Fringe and should not be missed!

Barry Hill OAM

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