It’s World Pride 2023 and the queer globe is converging on Sydney Australia to celebrate diversity, inclusion, community and fabulousness!

To mark this momentous event the STAGES podcast is saluting the cast of captivating drag divas and personalities who have been featured on the podcast during the past 5 seasons.

They are artists who have appeared on national and global stages; thrilling audiences, making a difference, healing community and expressing unique and wondrous talents.

We spotlight these episodes so you can savour a second listen - or so you can sample the delights of these entertainers for the very first time.

A Diva a day for each day of World Pride!

Every Sunday night, for over 15 years, a weekly Drag celebration was presented at Sydney’s Stonewall Hotel on iconic Oxford Street. Polly’s Follies became a Sydney institution having commenced life at the famous Albury Hotel some 28 years before.

Presiding over this hypnotic entertainment was the doyen of Sydney Drag, Polly Petrie; a tough broad with humour as dry as the Sahara, the glamour of Zsa Zsa Gabor and the steely command of Joan Crawford.

Polly Petrie is also Drag Mother to a host of novice drag queens taking their first steps into this colourful world of performance. Polly takes a maternal approach to the rookies; mentoring, guiding and passing on her infinite wisdom.

Polly Petrie is the creation of Craig Petrie, a ballroom dancer who was initially discovered working behind a bar by choreographer Ross Coleman. He was thrust into  the role of back-up dancer to many celebrated drag queens of the past, who lead the shows at famed Capriccios - a prominent venue on Oxford street with extravagant shows of big casts and glamorous costumes.

In this fascinating conversation Polly gives us an insight into the early scene as a performer; one that continues to engage him in the persona of which he is famous around the world. He explains the origin of the follies and the link with the musical The Boyfriend, that gave him his drag name.

It is a life rich with fabulous experiences and encounters. We recorded this conversation in his famous ‘caravan’, a haven that accommodates his extensive wardrobe.

The STAGES podcast is available from Apple podcasts, Spotify and from where you find your favourite podcasts. Tune in daily for a history of drag in Sydney. Tell your friends, share the podcast, relish the stories and embrace your own sense of Pride.