Bowled Over: A Dragumentary (ATOM Study Guide)

Nine years ago, the North Ipswich Bowls Club – which is nestled deep in the heart of Pauline Hanson country – was on the verge of suffering the same fate as countless 'bowlsies' around Australia and slamming its sliding doors for good. That is, until a bunch of colourful strangers sashayed in one day, to hire its modest hall for a one-off show. When Des the Pres took the booking, little did he know that this simple act would not only irrevocably change the future of his beloved 55-year-old club, but also countless lives beyond its membership ranks. That one-off booking ultimately morphed into 'Taboo' – a monthly, professional drag show – indefatigably led by local lad and grandfather-of-three Karl Eastaughffe aka Crystal Heart who, over the ensuing years, has lined up more than 40 'girls' before the devoted local crowds.

Now that the queens have helped rescue the club, the next chapter to this charming, inspiring story centres on three drag performers – Crystal Heart, wanda dparke, and 12-year-old Candy Featherbottom – who are now having to save themselves, their careers and their dreams.

Curriculum Links:

Bowled Over can be linked to the following subject areas within the Australian Curriculum:

• Civics and Citizenship (Year 9)
• English (Years 9 and 10)
• Health and Physical Education (Years 9 and 10)
• History (Year 10)

Bowled Over can also be used as a supplementary text when studying a range of Senior School subjects, including:

• Ethics
• Health and Human
• Development
• Psychology