TINA – A Tropical Love Story is a fabulous celebration of queer love, cultural pride and drag artistry – brought to life by Ben Graetz (aka Miss Ellaneous), as part of the Yirramboi Festival at the Melbourne Reital Centre.
In a sweltering Darwin amphitheatre in 1993, a young First Nations boy finds himself swept away by the legendary Tina Turner – an encounter that would spark a journey of self-discovery and transformation.
As writer, performer and director, Graetz delivers a work that pulses with heart, history and high camp – blending cabaret, First Nations storytelling, and spectacular performance into one unforgettable evening.
From the get-go, the energy is electric, Miss Ellaneous commands the stage with charisma and conviction, weaving together a narrative that is as joyous as it is heartfelt – one that encompasses a deeply personal tale of growing up in regional Australia, not just between people, but between genders and cultures, intergenerational identities and the drag community that nurtures them.
Showcasing a powerhouse line-up of queer excellence, Graetz has curated a terrific supporting cast, each bringing a unique take on a classic Turner song, including Garret Lyon, Dana Dizon (aka Prawn Cracker Spice), dancer Sermsah, Thomas Bevan (2Joocee) and The Huxleys. Throughout the show, Miss Ellaneous is joined by the Missettes (Glory Tuohy-Daniell and Cleopatra Pryce), who deliver Sani Townson’s choreography with plenty of sass.
But it’s in the quieter moments, that TINA finds its emotional weight. The show’s heartfelt tribute to iconic drag queen and proud Sistergirl Crystal Love is deeply moving. Due to illness, Love was not able to appear. However, Graetz honours her legacy not with melancholy, but with joy – a radiant reminder of the trailblazers who made space for others to shine.
Emotionally resonant and charged with a fierce political pulse, TINA – A Tropical Love Story is more than just a cabaret – it’s an act of cultural reclamation. A must-see celebration of blak, queer and drag brilliance that is equally fierce as it is fabulous!
TINA – A Tropical Love Story
Melbourne Recital Centre, 31 Sturt Street, Southbank
Performance: Wednesday 7 May 2025
Information: www.melbournerecital.com.au
Image: Ben Graetz as Miss Ellaneous (supplied)
Review: Rohan Shearn