Sam Message (aka The Meatbaby) is something of a celebrity in the Gothenburg queer scene. One half of artist duo Status Queer and host of drag collective CULT, they are famous for memorable parties and mind-blowing performances. CULT have performed at Gothenburg Fringe since 2023, and now Meatbaby is back with their very own show!
Meatbaby is weird. They fly the freak flag high, making space for the misfits and outcasts of the world. They have built up their cult following over the years in Gothenburg and none of that rings true more than when they perform for a totally sold out audience each and every time. The light and projection designed by Jess Pettersson and costumes designed by Charlie Persson was unlike anything I have ever seen before, right from the first moment where Meatbaby makes their entrance to the stage by climbing out of a cocoon in the middle of the stage. Meatbaby is first and foremost a drag artist, they are a master of makeup artistry, and of course can nail a lipsync. Meatbaby looked incredible from start to finish and not even a choreographed routine could budge that makeup.
Drag is inherently political and Meatbaby uses their platform to champion causes close to their heart. This show focused on Meatbaby’s own lived experience as an immigrant in a post-Brexit world. The anxiety and stress that can manifest after two years of being unable to leave the country while you send in document after document wondering every day if today will be the day. They ask, if they had known all of this was going to happen would they have even come in the first place? Meatbaby is open about facing discrimination and hate-crimes and their shows are a safe place for people to come together and support each other. As a fellow English person navigating the system of a post-Brexit world, this one hit very close to home. Despite dressing in a fun and colourful way, dancing and singing and having the time of their life, Meatbaby has a way of reaching through to the hearts and minds of the audience and encourages all of us to sit and reflect.
The show was a resounding success and concluded to roaring applause and even a dance party towards the end! Meatbaby and their frequent collaborators are very active in the Gothenburg queer scene, so there will be plenty of opportunity to see them on stage again if you didn’t get the chance this time. I would highly recommend that you do – after Welcome to The Meatlife I’m certain it has altered my brain chemistry.
Written by Ceri Taylor
