From Adele to Bizarre Bras: Leather Lungs discusses his preparation for returning to the World of WearableArt for its new show GLO!
Nearly 20 years after the World of WearableArt helped launch his career, Jason Chasland is preparing to return to the Wellington spectacular, this time bringing the full, fabulous force of his alter ego, Leather Lungs.
The acclaimed cabaret performer will appear throughout GLO!, the 2026 WOW Show running at TSB Arena from 17 September to 4 October.
For Chasland, the season represents much more than another major performance credit. It is a homecoming almost two decades in the making.
“I have truly wanted to come home to WOW for almost 20 years,” he says. “This is beyond special. It’s meant to be.”
Chasland first performed in WOW while attending drama school in 2004, returning for further seasons between 2007 and 2009. Although he has since taken his voice, comedy and solo shows around the world, WOW has retained a special place in his story.
“This feels like an evolution of the show, my career and me as a person,” he says. “We have all started from humble beginnings and become these internationally acclaimed beasts.”
His return began taking shape three years ago, when WOW show director Malia Johnston approached him about becoming involved. Chasland was touring in the United Kingdom and the timing did not work, but the conversation was far from over.
“When she came back to me last year with this year’s concept, we both felt it was the perfect fit for my vibe,” he says.
That vibe will be evident from the moment audiences arrive. While Chasland is keeping many of the production’s surprises under wraps, he reveals that Leather Lungs will welcome guests and immediately set the evening’s mischievous tone.
“You’ll find me throughout the show and ultimately returning to where it all began for me, with the iconic Bizarre Bra section,” he says, describing the crowd favourite as “a downright delightful riot” that will close this year’s production.
Audiences can expect Leather Lungs’ signature mix of powerhouse singing, extravagant glamour, uninhibited comedy and proudly queer energy.
“I will definitely be bringing mine in all my queer, neuro-spicy, balls-to-the-wall, chaotic, charming, celebratory magic!”
The confidence Leather Lungs projects on stage provides armour for a performer who describes himself as an “extroverted introvert”.
The persona was created while Chasland was working on music in an art gallery café in Bahrain. He found himself thinking about his need to celebrate who he was and to create a character capable of doing things Jason might be too shy or frightened to attempt.
“At its core, it’s clowning,” he explains. “It allows me to create absurd beauty, chaotic comedy, challenge conversation and make magic.”
Performance had been part of Chasland’s life long before Leather Lungs appeared. More than 20 years into his career, he admits that he can still feel as though he is “faking it”, despite having performed on some of the world’s most famous stages.
“I’ve done this since I can remember walking or talking. It was never really not an option for me,” he says.
His parents and nanas encouraged the creative child to dream, providing the support that would eventually carry him from drama school to international festivals, Hollywood and Glastonbury.
“Performing at Glastonbury was pretty insane,” he says. “Belting my face off to tens of thousands of people was unreal. I can’t wait to go back.”
Another attention-grabbing credit was performing as a vocalist during Adele’s 2017 New Zealand tour, although Chasland admits the reality was less glamorous than people might imagine.
“To be honest, while amazing, the Adele event wasn’t as fun as it sounds, as we weren’t able to talk to her!”
Touring his own creations has provided some of the more rewarding moments.
“Touring my solo shows around the world is always trippy,” he says. “Like, holy shit, I made this thing and people want to come?!”
WOW now offers the perfect meeting point between the young performer who first appeared in the show in 2004 and the unapologetically queer artist he has become.
Chasland believes the production’s celebration of creative freedom makes it a natural home for artists and audiences who have felt restricted by conventional expectations around fashion, gender or performance.
“WOW really nurtures and gives space for queer humans, people of colour and so much more to be seen and celebrated,” he says.
“For me, it has always felt like coming home to community. Queer artists are loved, embraced and put into the spotlight in the WOW whānau. I can be authentically myself and have the most incredible time doing it.”
When the final curtain falls, Chasland hopes to leave with new creative relationships, personal goals achieved and memories made alongside some of the artists he most admires.
Before then, however, Leather Lungs plans to ensure every audience receives a suitably outrageous welcome.
“There is literally nothing like this anywhere in the world. And it’s from Aotearoa! That’s some amazing mahi that deserves all the aroha,” he says before assuring us, “and the audience will be gagging!”
