Newtown Hotel has announced it will cease hosting That's Entertainment, a talent show it had been running for more than two years that included drag performances.
That's Entertainment started in December 2021 and provided a platform for people, including drag entertainers, to showcase their talent every Wednesday night. The recent cash prize for the winner was $100.
The Universal Hotels-run venue announced the news of the event's cancellation on Tuesday afternoon.
News of its axing comes after the Univeral Hotels hospitality group recently announced the return of a drag competition at The Imperial Hotel Erskineville, one of its other venues, hosted on the last Thursday of every month called Ruby's Royale Rumble. Universal Hotels also owns queer-friendly venues Universal Sydney and Oxford Hotel.
"The team at Newtown would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone [who] has been involved with That's Entertainment over the course of its run here," Newtown Hotel said in a social media post.
"It has been decided the last show of That's Entertainment will be on Wednesday 10 July. That leaves us with 2 shows.
"Thank you to Marlena [Dalí] & Count F–kula for hosting such an event that provided a platform for everyone's quirkiness & uniqueness to shine bright. Thank you to the performers, guest judges and DJs along the way."
In a separate post, Count F–kula announced the news "with a heavy heart".
"On behalf of the That's Entertainment community I would like to thank the incredible multiple award-deserving Marlena Dalí for creating this amazing unique space; and the gorgeous Aaron Manhattan for bringing the immaculate tunes and vibes," Count F–kula said.
"Thank you to all our guest judges, we couldn't have done it without you and to everyone who came to watch and offer support. And of course to the Newtown Hotel for giving us a stage (or two!).
"But most of all, thank you to absolutely every single one of you [who] has graced the stage, it's because of you that That's Entertainment has been one of the most welcoming spaces offering a stage for new and seasoned performers alike.
"I encourage each of you to keep performing, keep showing up and keep being fabulous."
Apart from The Imperial, other Sydney venues that currently provide a platform for drag performers to showcase their talents include Universal Sydney's Wednesday night Slay 4 Pay, which offers cash prizes and bar tabs, and Ching-A-Ling's new Thursday night event Clapback, which offers a paid $150 gig to the winner.
Ben Grubb is the founder and editor of Gay Sydney News, an independent publication covering LGBTQIA+ news. A journalist with more than 15 years' experience, he has reported and edited for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WAToday, Brisbane Times, The Australian Financial Review, News.com.au, ZDNet, TelecomTimes and iTnews, primarily on the topic of technology. He previously hosted The Informer, a queer current affairs program on Melbourne’s JOY 94.9 radio station, and contributes to LGBTQIA+ media including Stun Magazine. Ben has also appeared as a technology commentator on Channel Ten's The Project, ABC RN’s Download This Show and commercial radio stations 2UE, 2GB and 6PR. Contact Ben: [email protected]
