LOVE DON’T COST A KING debuts at Melbourne International Comedy Festival as the brainchild of VCA alum Michelle McCowage and Jane Schon.

DK (McCowage) is a country music star, sternly managed by Glenda (Schon), and looking for love on his debut Australian tour. With genie wishes, the Genovean mafia, and Doja Cat’s torso - LOVE DON’T COST A KING is playful and littered with fun. 

Whilst the plight of country music’s tempo means the piece begins slightly more subdued than you’d expect from a drag show, LDCAK finds its potency in moments of charming comedy and physical play. Songs range from live country tunes and electro pop backing tracks, with the delight of watching DK rooted in the live vocals. The musical highlight is the final number, where McCowage’s smooth and confident voice finds a delicious country melody set against synth pop beats. The show feels energised, and the team admirably leans into the context of festival conditions - with the audience getting a kick out of the surprisingly efficient and at times elegant use of festival space and budget. 

The unexpected entrance of two supporting characters (Katie Rowe as Ilse/Tomas and Alexandros Pettas as Stavros/Gunter) dynamise the stage, and their heavy handed subplot adds to the kitschy appeal. LOVE DON’T COST A KING finds comfort in odes to well known tropes, asking the audience to see dramaturgical subversion in the form of drag rather than any plot conceit. It relies on a deus ex machina for DK’s love troubles, but both the plot twist and resulting manifesto of platonic love’s superiority to romance does not feel displaced in a production that oft marries surprises and self aware nods.

An ardent production, DK and Glenda feel full of potential for more adventures to come. LOVE DON’T COST A KING is playing at the Butterfly Club for MICF until April 24. Tickets available here.

DISCLAIMER: Whilst I endeavour to be encouraging of theatre’s survival in tandem with honest feedback, all of my reviews (like all other reviews) cannot escape my own personal opinion. Art is not something that can be objectively evaluated and we all have different tastes - creating a show in Australia is an uphill battle and an ecosystem that relies on audience attendance. So no matter what I write, I always recommend buying a ticket watching for yourself!