Melbourne International Comedy Festival review

Geraldine Quinn’s always been drawn to the bold, brassy broad. The louche, camp older woman on a chaise longue, ridiculously long cigarette holder in one hand, gin in the other and sass on her lips.

Her early inspirations were the likes of Carol Burnett, Bewitched star Agnes Moorehead or Yootha Joyce from George And Mildred – but at drama school she was told she just hadn’t been through life’s mill enough to pull off such a vibe.  Well, now in her late 40s and with a career that hasn’t yet matched her formidable talent, she has earned every ounce of the gutsy attitude that emanates from her.

The first half of this high-powered cabaret is a howl against the business that has been so indifferent to her. A fierce riposte to every casting director who told her ‘you’re not quite what we’re looking for’, an angry clapback for all those who thought her body shape wasn’t right and a defiant ‘I’m still standing’ against the knocks and shitty gigs she’s had on the way.

Fuelled by once-suppressed rage, and leaning hard into the drag queen aesthetic and mindset, GQ cuts an audacious, commanding presence. And with every powerhouse song, supercharged by the fire within, she reminds the audience of all she has to offer.

Her voice is incredible – powerful and with huge range - and the lyrics full of biting wit born from the authenticity of her emotion.  Catchy, powerful tracks embrace myriad styles from glam rock to Broadway musicals – anything with a hunk of oomph, basically – performed with the aid of her pianist and occasional dresser (well, every diva needs one), Cameron Thomas.

Though amusing, Broad is not so much about the laughs but the attitude. It’s an uplifting and energetic celebration of longevity, with Quinn staking her claim to be the future national treasure she already is in her head. On the strength of this, you would not bet against that happening.

• Geraldine Quinn: Broad is on at Trades Hall at 5pm on Sunday.

Review date: 13 Apr 2022
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett
Reviewed at: Melbourne International Comedy Festival