If These Wigs Could Talk: Panti Bliss Live In Melbourne

Melbourne, darling, get ready to bow down to royalty!

The one and only Panti Bliss, Ireland’s most beloved drag queen and self-proclaimed accidental activist, has sashayed her way into town for Midsumma Festival, and let me tell you, her show “If These Wigs Could Talk” is an absolute must-see.

My plus one and I were lucky enough to catch her opening night performance at the Arts Centre Melbourne’s Fairfax Studio, and from the moment she stepped on stage, it was clear that this wasn’t just any drag show.

Panti is a true storyteller, weaving together hilarious yet powerful anecdotes and heartfelt reflections with effortless charm.

For those who don’t know, Panti (real name Rory O’Neill) is a national treasure in here home country of Ireland.

She’s been a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and a powerful voice for equality. But beyond her activism, Panti is also an incredibly talented performer, with a sharp wit and a knack for connecting with audiences on a deeply personal level.

One of my first introductions to Panti was through the internally acclaimed documentary ‘The Queen of Ireland‘ which follows Panti as she becomes a vital part of the successful campaign for marriage equality in Irelands’s 2015 referendum. You can stream this film on Stan right now and I’d highly recommend you do so.

If These Wigs Could Talk” is a journey through Panti’s life, from her childhood in rural Ireland to her experiences in the Dublin drag scene, her ‘escape’ to Tokyo and beyond. She shares stories of love, loss, and everything in between, all with her signature humor and raw honesty.

The show is a celebration of resilience, a reminder that it’s okay to be different, and a testament to the power of drag to bring people together. It’s also bloody funny.

While Panti claims to be an accidental activist, it’s clear that she is born for it and cares deeply about our community.

Her show will make you appreciate just how lucky we have it in Australia in 2025, and yet how we shouldn’t take these hard fought for liberties as a permanent thing – that we must keep on fighting for the rights of the marginalised, especially our trans family, and take the lessons of the past as a warning of just how quickly things can go south.

As part of Midsumma Festival, Panti’s show feels particularly poignant.

Panti Bliss at Arts Centre MelbourneIt’s a celebration of queer culture and a reminder of the importance of visibility and acceptance. To see someone like Panti, who has fought so hard for LGBTQ+ rights, command the stage with such confidence and joy is truly inspiring.

Panti Bliss is a true icon, and her performance is an unforgettable experience. She truly is a queen in every sense of the word.

Panti Bliss: If These Wigs Could Talk is playing at the Arts Centre Melbourne’s Fairfax Studio 4-9th February 2025 as part of Midsumma Festival. Get your tickets now!

Photo Credit: Supplied.
Disclosure: The Plus Ones were invited guests of Arts Centre Melbourne.