LIFE MORE THAN SONG AND DANCE FOR PIONEER

PIONEERING is a word that should be used very rarely but when it describes the one and only Carlotta it is woefully inadequate.

In her 60-plus years of performing she has carved a path for so many marginalised sections of our society. (Our view is that there should be a statue of her in Kings Cross as the patron saint of the Rainbow Revolution.)

As she e is ready- - ing her- - self for a guest ap- - pearance e in Pris- - cilla: The e Musical l in July we rang our grande dame to talk about her career.

“I am really looking forward to doing the show and have made some fabulous costumes to wear for my guest appearances,” she said.

“It is difficult to comprehend that next year it will be 60 years since Les Girls opened in the Cross. My career began a bit earlier when I was just 16 and we started a little revue in the Jewel Box. For the first time in my life I really felt at home and then came an offer to move across the street to a bigger theatre and Les Girls was born.

“Holly Brown and so many wonderful performers came through there. The audience was very straight and usually came from the races after a big day, but they loved how outrageous we were.

“I also starred in Number 96, but it was kept a secret that I was transgender until a pivotal point in the show. The first transgender playing a transgender character on TV anywhere in the world.”

Contrary to what some may think, she is not retired. “That word is a death sentence,” she laughed.

“I stopped doing my onewoman show but have an exhibition of my paintings opening in January for the Sydney World Pride Festival at Maunsell Wickes Gallery. Plus, there are guest appearances, TV spots and other ventures – in short I am open to offers.”

That, folks, is a pioneer.