Preparations for the Mardi Gras Parade float in honour of late drag star Beyoncé G Spot continues apace with organisers now launching a recruitment drive for marchers.
“We’re currently in the process of getting together 100 friends, relatives, colleagues, and Beyoncé fans to be part of a group a we've nicknamed the 'G-Spotters', who will march and dance with the truck,” Lex Van Netten told SX.
“Then it’s on to set design and construction for the truck, costuming for the whole cast, music mixing, choreography, Mardi Gras consultations, and the list goes on.”
The Beyoncé G Spot Memorial Float is based on the 2007 DIVA Award-winning Stonewall Hotel production show, The Little Merdrag.
At the time, it was one of the most popular shows on Oxford Street, thanks to its clever staging, dynamic routines and, of course, Beyoncé G Spot’s captivating stage presence.
The production show has become synonymous with Beyoncé G Spot. As such, it’s the perfect theme for a tribute to the late drag star, who passed away in 2013.
“Ripley Waters and Mama Shirl are the key organisers, coming up with the idea to have a float dedicated to Beyoncé.
“David Olsen – aka Decoda Secret – was part of the original Merdrag cast and another close friend of Beyoncé, and is stepping into Beyoncé's role as the ‘Little Merdrag’ on the float, as well as choreographing the marchers dance routines.
“Mama Shirl is doing all the costumes,” Van Netten said.
“Along with Ripley, Shirl, and David, myself and Murray Hood have been helping coordinate this huge undertaking.
“This memorial is close to a lot of people, and most can't wait to be on the float come parade night – Summer Salt, Prada Clutch, Tora Hymen, Lola Del Arte, and Lil X just to name a few.
Indeed, many were out in force at the recent Little Merdrag Fundraiser at the Stonewall Hotel, which raised nearly $3,000 for the float.
“That’s on top of the online contributions people have made at mycause.com.au,” Van Netten said.
“Thanks to everyone who came along to support us and donated time and prizes.
“The float is a huge collaboration of people who were touched by Beyoncé – colleagues, friends, and of course her army of twinks.”
If you would like more information about marching as part of the float, email hereThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.."
Donations can still be made to the float via the crowdfunding website here.