In her first ever solo performance, drag queen Charity Werk comes out strong with song, dance and bitchy gag work for Community Service.
Confined to one of the smallest rooms in Fringe, Werk commands the stage like a Broadway theatre, mesmerising all before her. Jumping from comedy to music and often from serious to silly, the show’s transitions are less than perfect at times. However, Werk does the work and gives her all, never wavering from the nerves that so often come with a debut show.
Community Service is a little rough around the edges but, hey, so is Ms. Werk. The drag sensation never shies away from authenticity and works hard not to fall into the trappings of anonymity. Telling tales of the man behind the makeup, Werk is open and honest not just of the hardships of growing up gay, but also of the regrettable actions taken as a young boy to hide this fact. It’s a very real glimpse into the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth, and one that often doesn’t get the stage time it deserves.
Admittedly, Community Service struggles with pace and flow, but Werk herself is one hell of a stage presence. Charming, sassy and a great voice to boot, it’s a solid debut from both a drag star and a comedian. Nothing better than two for the price of one.
