Daniel Downing
as
Karla Bear
Daniel Downing is a Wollongong-born, London-based performer whose career has sparkled across stages worldwide. Daniel made his professional debut at just 19 in WICKED – The Musical. Since then, he’s gone on to shine in productions including Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Kinky Boots—appearing both in Australia and in London’s West End.
Beyond musical theatre, Daniel has carved out a celebrated cabaret career, notably writing and starring in the acclaimed one-man show Almost Home – The Untold Stories of Judy Garland. Under his drag alter ego Karla Bear, he stormed the UK cabaret scene, winning Drag Idol UK and later headlining Pride in London’s Trafalgar Square stage before 30,000 people. Karla has since toured nationally across the UK and performed internationally in Sydney, Sitges, and Gran Canaria.
From Oz to the West End, from musical theatre to drag superstardom, Daniel brings charisma, versatility, and fierce artistry to every stage he steps on.
SHOW A - From Down Under With Love (45 mins)
In a tribute to the greatest Australian exports of the music world, from Kylie Minogue to Peter Allan, Crocodile Dundee to Grease, you’ll hear Aussie bangers you know and love already and discover a few others you never knew came from the Land Down Under.
Can be performed as Daniel or as Karla!
SHOW B - Dearly Departed Divas: As If They Never Said Goodbye (45 mins)
In a show celebrating pop icons whose songs live on long after we’ve lost them, international drag star Karla Bear pays homage to her heavenly idols.
Come remember musical magicians such as Whitney Houston, Judy Garland, Amy Winehouse and Tina Turner, along with a few surprises thrown in too.
Both shows can be performed tracks, piano only, or with full band charts.