Pregnant With A Drag Queen

  • Produced by Taller Stories
  • Funded by Virgin Media Television and Screen Ireland
  • Directed by Colin Brady
  • Awards Best Irish Short (GAZE), Official Selection DIFF 2024, Kerry Film Festival, Audience Award & Best Irish Production (Pride of Deise)

Pregnant with a Drag Queen tells the story of a queer kid in 1990s Dublin who discovers their true identity and inner strength when they give birth to Veda—a vibrant, unapologetic drag queen icon. Through laughter and self-discovery, this inspirational journey reveals that drag doesn’t change who you are; it shows who you’ve always been.

Part surreal drama, part documentary, this film was a true passion project from start to finish. Directed by Colin Brady, it explores how Enda Mc Grattan transformed into Veda, Ireland’s legendary drag artist and HIV activist.

Winning the Virgin Media Discovers competition, in partnership with Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, gave us the opportunity to bring this unique and powerful story to life. Blending surreal comedy with heartfelt interviews, we crafted a film that speaks to both TV and cinema audiences with an original and meaningful approach.

Pregnant with a drag queen taller stories documentary

One of the highlights of this project is the incredible cast, including eleven individuals living with HIV. Their involvement added depth and impact, helping to break down stigma and highlight the importance of visibility within the community.

As Veda shared: “To have such a talented team devote themselves to making a film about your life and your life’s work is a huge honour. These wonderful people are my tribe, and I am grateful to share this experience with them.”

We’re thrilled to share this film with audiences soon and hope it inspires as much as it entertains. Keep an eye out for updates and a closer look behind the scenes!

Veda drag queen documentary virgin

Directed by

Colin Brady

Cast (in credits order)

Enda McGrattanEnda McGrattan...Self
Freddy CornallyFreddy Cornally...Young Enda
Adrian DugganAdrian Duggan...Teenage Enda
Bryan QuinnBryan Quinn...TV Host
Jacinta SheerinJacinta Sheerin...Mother
Pixie WooPixie Woo...Self
Rory O'NeillRory O'Neill...Self (as Panti Bliss)
Alan AmsbyAlan Amsby...Self (as Mr Pussy)
Lorcan StrainLorcan Strain...Music Teacher (as Marian Mary the 6th)
MizzaMizza...Checkout Girl
Laura WhelanLaura Whelan...Floor Manager
Robbie LawlorRobbie Lawlor...Panti Bliss

Produced by

Daniel Lloyd...associate producer
Steven Sheehy...producer

Music by

Kevin Whyms...composer

Cinematography by

Andrew Cummins

Editing by

James Baldwin

Casting By

Eva-Jane Gaffney

Makeup Department

Aisling Quinn Makeup Artist...makeup artist

Second Unit Director or Assistant Director

Ciara McIlraith...first assistant director

Art Department

Caroline Hill...set designer
Emma Ryan...Production Designer

Sound Department

Andrew Kirwan...re-recording mixer
Andy Kirwan...sound mixer
Colin McKenna...sound

Camera and Electrical Department

Greg Corcoran...lighting technician
James Farrell...grip
Daniel Kelly...first assistant camera
Naoise Kettle...second assistant camera
Conor McGuinness...gaffer
Laurent Murray...first assistant camera

Editorial Department

Leandro Arouca...colorist

Music Department

Kevin Whyms...music

Additional Crew

Ruth Cawley...production assistant
Laura Whelan...production assistant

Thanks

Garret Daly...special thanks
Daniel Lloyd...special thanks
Sinead Stimpfig...special thanks