MESSY FRIENDS land in Edinburgh in a splash of costume and colour

(answered by Ginava - Creative Director of MESSY FRIENDS and Founder of Gendermess Productions)

Award winning drag act MESSY FRIENDS are coming back to the UK with their bizarre, beautiful and deeply creative “drag-u-mentary” that took Australia by storm. Balancing deep issues that impact the LQBTQI+ community with outrageous burlesque and impressive costuming, MESSY FRIENDS mix sincerity and playfulness with fierce talent.

We spoke to founder and creative direction Ginava to find out what to expect.

MESSY FRIENDS is a ‘drag-u-mentary’ – a unique format blending live performances with documentary style videos – is that an accurate description?

You’ve hit the nail on the head! It’s actually the world’s first live drag-u-mentary - how camp! This incredibly unique cabaret format means audience members get back door VIP access to the performer behind the persona. Get a glimpse into how the costumes are made, hear the life stories and experiences that inspired the art and see what it’s really like to hang out with Australia’s messiest friends.

How do you select the performers featured in the show?

Like it says in the show’s name, these are first and foremost my friends. Not only that, I truly believe they are Australia’s best drag performers from each of the drag disciplines, and they’re now also my best Judys! We have royalty from the burlesque, comedy, dance and circus drag scenes! 

How has your own identity and journey influenced your work as an artist and performer?

Everything you see on stage is an interpretation of who I am through the lens of drag. The documentary genre allows the audience to see this directly. My costumes, often described as adolescent or child-like, are manifestations of psychological regressions. In the show, we discuss the traumas of growing up gay in a straight man’s world and how hiding our true selves meant we were never authentically validated during our adolescence. This personal journey of reclaiming and expressing my true identity drives the art and performances in MESSY FRIENDS. People come to see the fabulous costumes and artwork, but they stay to hear the genuine stories behind them, experiencing the depth and authenticity that fuel our creative expression.

How do you see MESSY FRIENDS contributing to the conversation around queer experiences and mental health?

MESSY FRIENDS is a celebration of life, diversity, and friendship. We believe showcasing queer people living unapologetically and proudly is crucial. This visibility empowers others who may feel shame about their queerness, showing them they are not alone and that there is a supportive community. As artists, we process our experiences through our craft, which is therapeutic and helps resolve inner conflicts. Our documentary-style segments are intimate conversations with my closest friends, sharing vulnerability and healing. By presenting these narratives, we normalise conversations around mental health, often considered taboo. Through our performances, we aim to foster empathy and understanding, encouraging all audiences to engage with these vital topics and recognize the shared humanity that connects us.

What do you hope audiences take away from watching MESSY FRIENDS?

If audiences can walk out of those elegant theatre doors of the Piccolo with a greater appreciation of what goes into the art of drag and performance, but more so, gain more empathy for the queer experience, MESSY FRIENDS has reached its goal!

Messy Friends will be performed at 20:55 in Assembly George Square Gardens (Piccolo Tent) from 1st – 25th August (Not 13th)

Booking link: https://assemblyfestival.com/whats-on/615-messy-friends