Pieces of PeeVira

 Pieces of PeeVira: A 10 Year Retrospective

For anyone who's a fan of PeeVira, also known as The Fringy Mime Queen, this is a must see retrospective. The opening exposition creates a rather reverential tone from the outset, which is perhaps surprising for an act associated with challenging stereotypes, breaking convention and sticking two (or more) fingers up to authority. PeeVira's early years are narrated by a formally toned, serious-voiced female which makes it hard to switch from dry biography to outrageous humour. The visuals, an ethereal scene of rather foreboding clouds, don't really help, suggesting the substance of the 20 minute video will be a spiritual if somewhat turbulent journey of someone trying to find their place in life.

The journey is indeed a triumphant one, overcoming adversity to reach the heights of success. We're given a powerpoint style list of PeeVira's many achievements, including several first place victories in illustrious drag competitions and even a cameo appearance on America's Got Talent.

However, the highlights of the show are the 3 or 4 set piece performances where PeeVira (named after her idols Pee Wee Herman and Elvira) recreates some her most popular sketches. The trouble from the perspective of a viewer like me who doesn't know her work already is these performances felt like the minority of the video. And in the face of the formal documentary style narrative, they couldn't really generate the sense of comedy, fun and naughtiness that she must evidently create in her more natural live setting. Definitely not one for the kids, her parody of Rocky Horror Picture Show and It's A Small World give a delightful glimpse of her cheeky humour and downright drag rudeness.

Written, performed, directed and created by AJ Pratts, perhaps another hand on board might have balanced out the conflicts of tone. This is a show which summaries CV like the many achievements of a drag success, but doesn't do enough to actually replicate the magic and sense of fun that made her a success.