KING IV FUNERAL

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https://www.mardigras.org.au/event/king-iv-funeral/

Date Reviewed: 26/02/2026

On a rain-soaked Thursday evening, I had the privilege of attending one of the most electrifying live performances I have seen in recent memory. As part of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, I made my way to the Oxford Art Factory for King IV’s opening-night performance — an undeniably powerful way to launch the festival.

King IV knows she is a king, and she performs with that certainty. From the moment she stepped onto the stage, she commanded attention. Her presence is rare, magnetic, and entirely her own. It resonates through her vocals, radiates in her movement, and is reflected in the way the audience leans forward, fully engaged. Within seconds of her arrival, it is clear she was born to perform.

Her show, Funeral, is anchored by a theme that is both profound and liberating: the idea of endings giving way to new beginnings. This concept threads seamlessly through every song, costume change, and meticulously crafted moment. The narrative feels deeply personal, yet it carries a universality that allows the audience to find themselves within it. By the time the performance reaches its crescendo, it becomes apparent that this is more than a concert — it is an invitation to release, to reflect, and perhaps to leave the room changed in subtle but meaningful ways.

Musically, the show spans an impressive range. High-energy electronic dance tracks pulse through the venue, compelling movement almost involuntarily, while emotionally charged solos bring the atmosphere to a hush. King IV describes herself as a “fire-breathing dragon,” and the metaphor feels entirely earned. There is a fierce intensity to her artistry, balanced by genuine emotional depth — a combination that few performers manage to sustain so convincingly.

Every element of the production appears thoughtfully considered. Costume changes unfold seamlessly, stage props are bold and effective, and the visual design is striking. Music videos projected as backdrops throughout the show are vivid and immersive, filled with bright colour palettes, dramatic strobe effects, and her undeniable on-screen presence. These visuals do more than complement the music; they deepen the sensory experience and add texture to an already layered performance.

Her background dancers merit recognition in their own right. Exceptionally skilled and fully committed, they brought precision, passion, and dynamic stage presence that elevated the entire production. In collaboration with King IV, they delivered something unapologetically bold and captivating — a performance that felt raw, untamed, and thrilling in the best possible sense.

Funeral was creatively led by Sean Higgins of Shotography, who served as Creative Director, Director, Writer, and Screen Content Producer, with choreography by Adrian Spuria — whose contributions were integral to shaping the show’s powerful visual and physical language.

Funeral is not merely a show; it is an immersive experience that leaves you feeling unexpectedly invigorated. A resounding 10 out of 10. Do not miss the opportunity to witness King IV live.

Reviewed by Anushka Dharmadhikari