Out of this World

SYDNEY: Australia’s most famous ‘unreal girl’ brings her act back to Sydney for one extra-terrestrial night only.

It’s fair to say that there have been quite a few times in Courtney Act’s life when she has felt somewhat like an alien. The entertainer first shocked Australian audiences after getting through Australian Idol’s final audition rounds in 2003, and has gone on to become one of Australia’s most famous drag queens. Almost ten years on from her debut, Courtney has performed in cabaret acts around the country, released her own music records, and set a new standard for drag performance in Australia.

However, the sultry and sequinned beauty explains that it has been her latest venture in trying to break into the elusive American market, which has really pushed her to reinvent and discover her true ‘alter-self’.

“In Sydney I had such a creative support network that I never really went outside my comfort zone,” Courtney tells SX. “Here I have become a drag queen again by styling my own wigs, creating outfits, experimenting with makeup. It is cool because nobody expects anything from me here, so it is up to me to define who I am.”

Having moved to West Hollywood – or WeHo – midway through last year, Courtney has spent the last few months settling herself and her wardrobe of stilettos into her new home, which the diva describes as ‘Darlinghurst on even more steroids’. So far, Courtney has met with a string of celebrities including singer Adam Lambert, comedian Bruce Vilanch and her childhood idol, designer Bob Mackie. However, the man-eating illusionist explains it is Hollywood’s ‘go-go boys of WeHo’ which has been the highlight.

“I know we have podium dancers in Australia, but the culture of go-go in LA is amazing. It’s straight men with semi hard penises in underwear dancing all night long in every venue.”

Courtney has also been working hard to produce her new show Alien Of Extraordinary Ability in LA. The new cabaret extravaganza follows Courtney’s journey from Sydney to Hollywood, featuring costumes created by noted designer Marco Marco. 

“The show is a lot of fun,” Courtney says. “I have a live band and a slew of songs the audience will know and love. There are lots of anecdotes and camp stories about my adventures about what and who I have been up to.”

After already making an appearance on Chelsea Handler’s new sitcom on NBC called ‘Are You There, Chelsea?’, Courtney says she determined to break into the big time and get ‘her mug’ permanently on TV. She is already in talks with “some big names”, she adds.

“My goal is to have Australia referring to me as ‘Our Courtney’ by the latter half of 2012.”

Courtney Act: Alien of Extraordinary Ability is on Saturday, January 21, The Supper Club, 134 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst. Tix $27 pre-sale from www.moshtix.com.au