Queen of the Whole Universe may get an Australian run The planned return of Queen of the Whole Universe has been cancelled due to a lack of key performers and sponsorship cash. The queerest beauty pageant in the cosmos was to return for two Auckland shows in November to mark the 30th year of the AIDS Foundation being in operation. Creative Director Jonathan Smith says there are a number of reasons for the fundraiser being canned, but the key issues are a lack of people stepping up to be the more demanding ‘Act 2 talent’ and a shortage of sponsorship money. He says it was a difficult decision, which he had to make before signing two contracts with non-refundable deposits. “Two sponsors that normally support the event have declined any dollars for 2014 and the chance of getting new financial sponsors at this stage is unlikely,” he says. “This decision makes me realise than closing the show in 2012 was the correct decision.” Smith has thanked all those who got behind the planned comeback, and has revealed he is speaking with an Australian HIV support group about taking Queen of the Whole Universe to Australia. “This will be with local talent however Queen of the Whole Universe New Zealand cast and crew will be invited to participate,” he says.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 3rd August 2014 - 10:47am