Midsumma Festival
A Dazzling Overture of Diversity and Creative Harmony
Reviewed by Brendan Daynes
Stretching across diverse venues throughout summer in Victoria, Midsumma Festival is a lively and colourful exploration that celebrates the kaleidoscope of LGBTQIA+ experiences, fostering unity, creativity, and authentic expression within the vibrant community of queer arts and culture. For over two decades, this festival has evolved into not only a cultural influencer but also a beacon of creative expression, creating spaces that resonate with audiences across age ranges, ethnicities, and abilities. The hum of excitement that envelopes Melbourne during the festival is a testament to Midsumma’s ability to bring art to life, tell stories that might otherwise remain unheard, and build connections within and beyond the LGBTQIA+ communities.
Hot Summer Nights! returned to the stage with an enchanting encore, offering a mesmerising blend of neon lights, sensational vocals, and jaw-dropping circus acts. Tash York, the captivating MC and singer, charmed the audience with her wit and mesmerising voice, evoking joyful laughter. Bede Nash’s performance displayed exceptional flexibility, creating a captivating display of motion. Ezra Mishka brought humour and talent to a dynamic drag performance, showcasing his versatile artistry. Tro Griffiths demonstrated strength, control, and grace in an aerial masterclass with straps and hoop. Aleisha Manion’s fiery act showcased both skill and feminine strength in a scorching dance trapeze performance. Jacqueline Furey, the sword-swallowing enchantress, transported the audience with her unique skills and comedic grinder show, leaving an enduring and impressive impression.The circus cabaret delivered an immersive experience, blending humour, awe, and avant-garde charm that left a lasting sparkle in the audience’s memories. 
Mister Act emerged as a radiant source of laughter, sincerity, and unabashed jubilation. Jayden Masciulli, Simon Hawkings, and Allen Dorsey delivered a comedic extravaganza that delved into the nuances of the gay experience with fearless humour. The sketches were sharp, inducing laughter while prompting introspection on queer culture. With impeccable timing, versatile acting, and clever references to 90s pop culture, Mister Act not only entertained but also celebrated the brilliance of queer comedy as the trio delivered a side-splitting, thought-provoking, and thoroughly entertaining journey through the intricacies of the gay experience.
Hufflepoof enchanted audiences, seamlessly blending the magical world of Harry Potter with the charm of classic musical theatre. Dirk Strachan’s commanding vocal performance and the clever incorporation of onstage wizardry created a delightful fusion. The script’s Harry Potter innuendos and witty banter, along with unexpected magical moments, made Hufflepoof a charming celebration of art, inclusivity, and the enchanting power of a well-crafted performance. This magical concoction left a lasting impression, weaving recognisable Harry Potter elements into a unique and entertaining theatrical journey.
Sauna Boy offered an intimate exploration of a clandestine world expertly guided by Dan Ireland-Reeves. This one-man show demonstrates exceptional storytelling skills through vivid characterisation and masterful lighting. Navigating the complexities of its storyline with grace, the production provided an immersive experience that delicately balanced raw passion and heartfelt camaraderie.Through exceptional writing and acting, Dan Ireland-Reeves unveiled a world pulsating with life, love, and the undeniable truth of shared humanity.
Bold, brave, and beautiful, The Inheritance captivates audiences with its emotionally charged narrative and stellar performances. Directed by Kitan Petkovski, this Australian premiere of Matthew López’s acclaimed play is an epic exploration of love, legacy, and the LGBTQIA+ experience, drawing inspiration from E.M. Forster’s Howards End. Spanning generations, the play navigates through intricate layers of queer identity, interweaving multiple narratives with undeniable urgency and depth.
At the heart of The Inheritance are sensational performances by the ensemble cast, led by Charles Purcell and Tomáš Kantor, whose portrayal of Eric Glass and Toby Darling exudes intensity and authenticity. Supported by a talented ensemble including Dion Mills, Iopu Auva’a, Juan Gomez, Javon King, Joss McClelland, Jillian Murray, Hunter Perske, Karl Richmond, Christian Taylor, and Alexander Thew, each member contributes to the emotional resonance and artistic excellence of the production. Minimalist set design by Bethany J Fellows and expert lighting by Katie Sfetkidis further enhance the intimate connection between audience and characters, creating a transformative experience. This thought-provoking and profoundly beautiful production not only celebrates queer culture but also serves as a poignant reminder of its rich history, leaving a lasting impression on its audience.
DADDY, a vivacious celebration of life and love, captivates audiences under the guidance of Brent Thorpe. From the energetic atmosphere to the sexually charged narrative, the show defies convention while providing a fresh perspective on sexuality and ageing in contemporary Australia. Thorpe’s charismatic storytelling, sprinkled with wit and humour, invites reflection and empathy from the audience, fostering inclusivity and community through moments of revelry and connection. With flawless delivery and undeniable stage presence, Thorpe, supported by the talented “Daddy’s boys,” brings his vision to life with authenticity and passion, creating a triumphant exploration of age, sexuality, and self-expression that empowers and enlightens audiences to embrace their true selves.
Rouge redefines contemporary circus cabaret with its electrifying blend of sensuality and skill, directed and produced by Elena Kirschbaum. Led by Michaela Burger’s captivating vocals and accompanied by a stellar cast of circus artists, includingJessie Mckibbin, Paul Westbrook, Lyndon Johnson, Lizzie Patterson, and Maui Rya, the performance mesmerises with its seamless fusion of passion and prowess. Each act, bathed in expert lighting by Sarah Platts, exudes electric energy and chemistry, captivating audiences from start to finish. With its incorporation of comedy elements and precise choreography, Rouge challenges conventions and celebrates human sexuality and relationships, leaving a lasting impression on all who experience it.
My Life In The Clouds is a theatrical marvel, where Jonathan Mill, a seasoned Aussie theatre veteran, takes audiences on a captivating journey back in time to the glittering heights of New York City’s skyline. Through heartfelt anecdotes and timeless melodies, Mill shares intimate memories of resilience, courage, and the LGBTQIA+ community’s unyielding spirit in the face of adversity. Crafted with meticulous care, the show blends laughter, nostalgia, and a deep appreciation for musical theatre, offering a homage to the golden age of entertainment and celebrating life’s enduring beauty. From witty banter to beloved tunes from iconic productions, this show captivates and inspires, reminding audiences of the transformative power of storytelling and the timeless allure of the stage.
Enter The Kaye Hole Extravaganza Party with Reuben Kaye, where every moment is an adventure into the wild, the bold, and the hilariously audacious. As you step into this late-night affair, you’ll find yourself amidst a gathering of charismatic performers and eager spectators, all united in the joy of self-expression and uninhibited laughter. With Reuben Kaye at the helm, the stage comes alive with his larger-than-life persona, guiding the evening with wit, sass, and irreverence that leaves the audience hanging on his every word. Joined by a stellar cast of equally captivating performers, including the comedic genius and powerhouse vocals of Michelle Braisier, The Kaye Hole promises an unforgettable journey filled with uproarious humour, jaw-dropping vocals, and awe-inspiring circus acts that push the boundaries of convention and celebrate the joy of pure, unadulterated fun.
Step into the glitzy world of Ziegfeld Boy in Bombshell, a captivating boylesque revue that pays homage to Hollywood’s Blonde Bombshells with a modern twist. From the opulent costumes to the dynamic performances, every aspect of this show exudes sophistication and charm, drawing the audience into a realm where showmanship reigns supreme. Led by the magnetic Ziegfeld Boy himself, whose vocal prowess and stage presence command attention, the production dazzles with its seamless blend of classic cabaret hits and contemporary flair. Backed by a talented ensemble of male dancers, each bringing their own charisma and energy to the stage, the show becomes an unforgettable spectacle of glamour and entertainment. With impressive production elements enhancing the theatrical experience, Bombshell is a triumph of talent and creativity, leaving audiences captivated and thoroughly entertained, proving that blondes indeed have more fun.
In Apocalipstik, Reuben Kaye bursts onto the stage with a dazzling display of individuality and talent, delivering a one-night-only cabaret extravaganza that is as bold as it is thought-provoking. With his larger-than-life persona and razor-sharp wit, Kaye commands the spotlight, weaving together elements of tragedy, comedy, and political satire in a performance that transcends boundaries. Through masterful storytelling and a captivating musical backdrop, Kaye takes the audience on a journey through his family history, inviting them to witness the scandalous exploits of his scoundrel Uncle while exploring themes of identity, activism, and resilience. As Kaye fearlessly embraces his queer identity and political activism, he inspires audiences to embrace their own uniqueness and stand up for what they believe in. Apocalipstik is a triumphant celebration of talent and authenticity, offering entertainment, enlightenment, and empowerment in equal measure.
Midsumma Festival serves as a dynamic canvas where LGBTQIA+ stories are painted with vivid hues, challenging norms, and creating a space for authentic expression. This pivotal festival not only entertains but elevates, showcasing the transformative power of art to inspire, question, and unite. The diverse array of shows, each representing a unique facet of the LGBTQIA+ experience, sets the stage for a festival that not only embraces its roots but propels queer art and culture into new and exciting territories. Melbourne echoes with the reverberations of these powerful narratives, pointing towards an exciting future for the vibrant LGBTQIA+ artistic community, forever shaping the cultural landscape with its unyielding creativity and authenticity.
Midsumma Festival runs from January 29th to February 3rd, casting a spotlight on an variety of captivating performances and exhibits. The festival promises a dynamic fusion of visual arts, live music, theatre, spoken word, cabaret, film, parties, sports, social events, and public forums. To explore the full spectrum of creativity and diversity, visit Midsumma Festival’s official website for detailed information on events, venues, and how to be part of this extraordinary cultural experience.
