Australia Really Does Have Talent!

Homo Grown

Homo Grown Rating

Click if you liked this article

Apologies in advance, I tried to catch as many names of these talented performers as possible but I have definitely missed some and will jumble them up. Homo Grown was an absolute treat! For this queer musical lover, it was like a slice of Heaven.

Host and co-founder of “Home Grown Aus”, Nick Ledger, opened us with Princess by Matthew Lee Robinson. Home Grown Aus, co-founded by Nick and husband Ben Nicholson, is the grassroots movement championing and producing original new works in Australian musical theatre. I actually attended a reading of “Mackenzie” by one my favourite musical theatre writers, Yve Blake, earlier in the week. That was produced by Home Grown and Hayes Theatre.

Our next act was a stunning cameo by Australia’s first female Prime Minister, performed by Mandy Isher. It brought the house down and the energy up to stay.

McBeanie and Hurley then performed a duet based on their musical chronicling the life and times of (very) obscure playwright, Robert Wiseman. This was a cute little back and forth called “The First Time I Met You” and left us with heart eyes for this real life couple.

Powerhouse Carla then took to the stage with “We’ve Got Chemistry” by Jordy Thomas. Those pipes!! Carla has power and presence and a sexy, sultry voice. With this melting “Ooh” that was like liquid chocolate! And I even I understood most of the chemistry puns, despite flunking science! Carla lights up the room and is an artful performer.

Yasheith performed “One Day In September” by Maverick and Cohen, about a closeted football star. Yakeith’s performance was earnest and nuanced, with unique use of dramatic timing. Such a beautiful voice too.

 

Nick Hedger returned to the stage with a love song for the gamers, nerds and misfits. It was a rock opera style ballad that hit the feels.

Robbie Alexander gave us a taste of the opening of their upcoming musical, warning it would be long and referred to it as their “Bohemian Rhapsody”. It was such a wonderful song that leaves me wanting to watch the whole musical. Charlie is the main character, who just can’t make main character status, so “Other Charlie” steals their limelight. The two Charlies and an ensemble of three delivered this number, with Charlie’s therapist’s voice being absolutely extraordinary!

Nick returned for an homage to Peter Allen which was poignant and touching.

The next was from a musical about netball. The names here got quite muddled for me. I think Sophie Davies and Harry Collins may be the composers. Lauren introduced the mother/daughter duo performance of “Married To Netball” which was absolutely hilarious and both Addie Robinson and Sinead Christado nailed the song.

We then finished with an entirely can’t-possibly-be-human performance by Carla once more. As a singer myself, I was left completely at a loss as to how one voice can do so many things and yet make it look like it’s the simplest thing in the world! I told my Plus One that Carla has to be AI!

It was such a wonderful and joyful hour of celebrating queer musical theatre creatives. I am already a big fan of Home Grown and the work they are doing, and I am so excited to see these upcoming new works and more of these incredible performers. Australia really does have talent!

To book tickets to Homo Grown, please visit https://events.humanitix.com/homogrown/tickets.

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Allons-y! Comic-Con Returns To Melbourne

Melbourne Comic-Con 2025

Melbourne Comic-Con 2025 Rating

Click if you liked this article

Fans made the hero’s journey to Melbourne’s Convention and Exhibition Centre this weekend to meet their favourite celebrities, buy their weight in merch and revel in two days of pop culture chaos at Oz Comic-Con. For a nerd, it’s paradise. For anyone else, stay out of the way because this is my Super Bowl.

Oz Comic-Con is huge. MCEC was absolutely buzzing with activity by the time I arrived–at 9AM! Inside, the hall was wall-to-wall full, from panels to cosplay competitions, interactive challenges, tabletop games, retail vendors and workshops. Travellers, take heed: it’s not for the faint of heart. I had to join the Vaders posted outside for more than one (suspiciously wheezy) breather…

Celebrity panels featured Breaking Bad’s Giancarlo Esposito, voice actor and comedian Brandon Rogers, The Boys’ Moff Gideon and–my personal OZCC highlight–Catherine Tate, Doctor Who’s Donna Noble. Other guests included voice actors, cosplayers, costume designers–I could go on. I quite literally did not have enough time in the day to check every event out, so a comprehensive schedule (or a time machine, ha ha) is a must-have for those looking to see anything in particular.

For theatre fans, OZCC hosted a Q&A with the Beetlejuice cast, who are currently completing a fantastic run at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre. In their panel, cast members Eddie Perfect, Karis Oka and Elise McCann touched on some behind-the-scenes insights that you rarely get to hear elsewhere, so I considered myself very fortunate for catching that.

Oz Comic-Con had a massive lineup in the artist alley this year. From movies, TV shows and anime to books and even music, artists showcased fan art and plenty of amazing indie work too. Authors were also in attendance, promoting their books, chatting with fans and signing copies all weekend. Artist alleys embody what OZCC is all about: connecting not only fans with the authors and artists they love, but fellow creatives with one another, supporting the ecosystem of our thriving local art scene. Crucial, creative, and so fun.

I only wish that all of these incredible events could have taken place in separate halls, or with a more thoughtful configuration of booths. MCEC has a wonderful plenary for use, which would have given the guests the undivided attention they deserved; I could barely hear myself think, packed into one room like sardines. With a bit of breathing space, perhaps each element would have had the chance to connect with con-goers on a more personal level.

Still, a large-scale event completely dedicated to a love of art will always leave you walking away inspired to create. Oz Comic-Con brings together people across all walks of life with a common thread: celebrating the hard work of creatives and shaping the future of pop culture and entertainment.

Oz Comic-Con will be travelling to the rest of Australia throughout the year, but will be back in Melbourne from the 6th-7th of December for a special ‘Xmas edition’.

For more information on Comic-Con 2025, please visit https://ozcomiccon.com/.

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Unwined Perth: Indulgent Unravelling

Unwined Perth

Unwined Perth Rating

Click if you liked this article

1

As I entered the venue for “Unwined Perth” at Supreme Court Gardens I was welcomed by enthusiastic ticket checkers with charming offers of free wine glasses (to take home) and encouragement to enjoy my time.
As the double entendre name of the event suggests, an ambience of casual decadence hits you as you stroll into the spacious venue.

“Cheer Up Sleepy Jean” by The Monkees is being sung in dulcet alto to acoustic guitar as a whirling dervish, glittered butterfly performance artist shimmies past, bursting with joy.

All vendor stands are clearly marked. Wooden barrels for tables with two bar stools are scattered randomly to accommodate rests between free wine, beer and cocktail tasting. Ornate fire pits are glowing ready for the oncoming chill of the Autumn in Perth. There are plenty of lavatories and shaded seating areas with free blankets to sit upon. Four food trucks have reasonably priced delicacies – the Pepperoni Pizza and prawn spring rolls were top notch.

For those with Premium Plumm tickets, a 90-minute-long table feast awaited with free beverages and tapas. For those that required guided tastings, “Barrell Sessions” provided standing only gatherings for $12 per person.

As I meandered amongst the revellers and tasted what was on offer, I managed to speak to a few vendors. Karen from “Cape Grace” shared that Friday night’s attendees were more interested in just having a drink whereas the Saturday afternoon clientele seemed more interested in discussing the finer nuances of wine. “Yeah Wine” is 4 years’ old and delights with in-your-face labels and merchandise such as caps and t-shirts (yes, I have a limited edition cap). Tom says the company has “… a lot of love to give…” with grapes sourced from Swan Valley to the Porongurup regions.

As I settled into the afternoon, acoustic guitar and vocal from, “Brooks” started getting the punters onto the grassed dance floor and it was only 1.30 pm. Jana and Matt said it was “…hot…” and that after playing at Unwined in Subiaco and in the city previously, it was “…good to be back…” and “…always a great event”.

By 2.00 pm the venue was packed with event staff making the rounds collecting rubbish and ensuring everyone’s comfort and safety. At this point, I noted that more seating could have been provided and that the delightful butterfly dancer was the only roaming performer I had seen.

After 30 years in the business, Director of CMS Events, Richard certainly knows what he’s doing – casual decadence at its finest.

To learn more about upcoming Unwined Events, please visit https://www.unwinedeventswa.com.au/.

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Gin lovers Converge on the Timberyard

Melbourne Gin FestivalLET THE FUN BE-GIN AT MELBOURNE GIN FESTIVAL THIS MARCH

LET THE FUN BE-GIN AT MELBOURNE GIN FESTIVAL THIS MARCH Rating

Click if you liked this article

The Melbourne Gin Festival was a paradise for gin lovers, showcasing an impressive lineup of Australian distilleries, each offering unique and innovative spirits. Crowds of people flocked to The Timberyard to gather and taste their favourite gins from all over the country. From Tasmanian gins to all the way from Darwin there was a broad representation.

The atmosphere was lively, with passionate distillers sharing their craft, and plenty of opportunities to taste some truly exceptional gins.

One of the most eye-catching products was Gingle Bells by Wild Hibiscus Flower Co. Their beautifully designed gin-filled baubles added a festive touch, and the botanical-infused flavours were both vibrant and well-balanced—perfect for gifting or enjoying over the holidays.

 

Noble Bootleggers impressed with their smooth, well-crafted gins that highlighted locally sourced botanicals, while Just B Distillery from Tasmania showcased their dedication to quality with gins that delivered a clean, crisp taste with a hint of wilderness.

Happenstance Distillery stood out with its trio of offerings—Fireside Gin, a smoky and warming delight; Fiesta Gin, bursting with citrus and spice; and Gin Noir, which had a deep, complex profile that was perfect for a sophisticated cocktail.

Teddy & The Fox from Bellarine presented a bright and refreshing gin with a coastal twist, ideal for summer sipping. Meanwhile, Naught Distilling wowed the crowd with their Sangiovese Gin, a rich, fruit-forward spirit that blended wine and gin beautifully.

The festival was a fantastic celebration of Australia’s gin scene, with something for every palate. Whether you’re a seasoned gin enthusiast or a newcomer, this event was the perfect place to explore, taste, and discover new favourites.

Spread the word on your favourite platform!