This is the first time I’m doing a solo show as part of the festival and I might have chosen the worst year to do that. Discretionary spending is at an all time low and people might not take a punt on someone they don’t know. You’re reading this because you do know me, so please come and/or let friends know. The show has had an incredible response so far at Melbourne Fringe, Fringe World Perth, Adelaide Fringe, and in Trentham.
Here’s where you can catch me during the festival:
Unbelievable 26th, 27th and 28th March, Central Club Hotel
And here’s a few recommendations of shows that might not be on your radar – in no means is this an exhaustive list, this is just some that you might not see big billboards for, so I’m getting them in front of your eyes!
And I’ll be clowning around at Lost Cabaret – An Art-fool of Clowns on 28th Feb at 10.40pm in the Courtyard of Curiosities.
I have some other gigs in Adelaide, which I’ll post in early March.
And before heading to Adelaide I’m jumping on stage at Stay Gold’s Karaoke competition! I’ve found on multiple karaoke based occassions that, when I channel my inner Alanis, people get really into it, so I’m going to give that a go and there’s even a chance I might win something. All I really want is love and attention though.
ADHD and beyond – is a new section on my website where I talk about navigating my recent diagnosis. I realise not everyone gives a monkey’s about that, so it’s just a little hidden page for anyone who is interested. Feel free to message me with questions or your own stories if you like.
I’ve been struggling to write a recap or reflection of 2025 and to ring in 2026. It’s been a tough time, what with dictators and ego-maniacs making decisions that continue to destroy the planet, murder and divide people, and line their own already heaving pockets.
New year’s resolution? No thanks! New year’s revolution? Yes please!
It felt insensitive to write something positive and potentially self involved. But I need to ramp up promo for the tour of my solo show, Unbelievable, so I felt a bit stuck. Then I remembered that joy is resistance, and that the very message of the show is what a wonderful world it could be if people were more accepting of one another.
So, if you’d like to see me at a show, I will (hopefully) help you laugh – at me and with me. (You may also cry!) Here’s some upcoming ways:
Holy guacamole! Check out this incredible line up that I get to be on!!
I’ll be warming the crowd as the opening act on 22nd and 23rd Jan. (Wait? I can do two gigs in one night?! Yeah baby! Also LOOK at the amazing glitter shot from the genius that is Rachel Mia! You can get one too!)
Hang in there my lovelies. Try to get into nature. Stay hydrated. Stay connected with people you like and who like you. Try to balance staying informed with maintaining OK mental health! Hint: do things that make you happy, with people you like, and do things that you can to make a positive difference e.g. give blood, adopt an animal, sign this petition, donate to causes you care about if you can – with money or time, take the time to listen to others and understand their views and hopefully they’ll do the same for you… This is by no means an exhaustive list and if you want to suggest things drop me a line and I can put them in the next Nooze.
We’re skidding to the end of the year! It’s probably a bit early for reflections, but here’s a little catch up! Welcome to my new subscribers and thanks for opting in. And big thanks to all my friends who helped out with the show and with capturing some audience feedback.
I had a great time launching Unbelievable for Melbourne Fringe. The audiences were lovely. Lots of people said the show made them cry. It’s a little strange to be proud that my ‘comedy’ show made people cry! I’ve never quite feel like the label of comedy/comedian fits my work/me, but it’s the one that’s most readily available. I then often put a subheading of Storytelling, Theatre, or Cabaret. Anyway, I do feel proud. There’s something magical about connecting with people emotionally. The show is mostly funny!
Yes – I stood on a ladder to overcome my short stature without a raised stage! Photo: Darren Markey
It was great working with Grouse Melbourne AND they won Melbourne Fringe’s Venue of the Year award! Wes and the team created a beautiful little hub of fun, queer and accessible events. The cocktails are great too!
If you have’t seen it and/or want to see it again (because after all every show is different. The structure of the show means that there are always bits that make it in or not and there’s a bit of improvising. The show will also be different in different venues, as I make use of the space), you can see it – and tell people you know to see it – at the following places:
Sat 6th Dec 2025 Mechanic Institute, Trentham, Vic
Wed28th Jan 2026, The Actors’ Hub, East Perth, WA
Fri 30th Jan 2026, The Sail & Anchor, Fremantle, WA
Sat 31st Jan 2026, Ritz Party Showroom @ Rocky Fringe Festival Rockingham, WA
12-15th March 2026, Hymn Bar, Adelaide, SA
28th-30th March 2026, Comedy Central Hotel, North Melbourne, Vic
August, Edinburgh Fringe TBC! I had intended to take Disgraceful to Edinburgh in 2024, but life threw me a curveball, so I’m revisiting the plans with Unbelievable
I will of course be gigging in between, including heading to the inaugural Canberra Fringe for:
Unladylike a lewd and loud stand up comedy show with my comedy wife, Nicky Barry. Sat 22nd Nov 6pm and
Smells Like Kween Spirit the brand new singalong show with Nicky and I, featuring anthems from your favourite rock chicks! Sat 22nd Nov 9.30pm
I also day job!
I’ve been working at Let Me Be Frank, coordinating repair programs for local government. Since handing the reigns to incredible community volunteers in Stonnington and Glen Eira, I’ve been working with Frankston City Council. These events not only support my passion for waste reduction and the circular economy, but they are wonderful community events that bring people together from all walks of life. I love the events!
At Parliament of Victoria as part of David Ettershank MP‘s team we’ve been doing great things, including supporting Victoria’s Treaty. This is an important and meaningful step towards reconciliation.
We’ve also been continuing our Better Buses campaign and working with the No Sunbury Waste Incinerator Group, amongst many other things. Campaigns that also align with my values and make me feel good to support them.
Yes – I am very busy!
I also have my two wonderful offspring, my two doggies, my cat, my hen, my partner, my garden, a pile of books to read, my big family, my friends… Life is full, but this seems to be the way I like it. I am trying to schedule in quiet reflection time. I appreciate my dogs for ensuring I always go for at least one walk a day!
TTFN
Thanks for reading to the end. I hope to see you soon. Love you. Bye. x
My new solo show, Unbelievable, launches for Melbourne Fringe 2025
I frequently get asked how much of my material is true. And the answer is – All of it! I may change the end to include a witty punchline, but the content is all (at least based on) truth. This show is jam packed with funny, quirky, interesting, and sad stories. And they’re all true!
Here’s a bunch of shows I plan to see (and no doubt there will be more!)
I’ll also be frequenting Club Fringe at Trade’s all. See you around! x
JKS: A COMEDY(?) Festival Hub: Trades Hall – ETU BallroomCarlton
Bootersloot The Motley Bauhaus – Cabaret StageCarlton
This is supposed to be the April nooze, but today is May. So this is kinda Autumn (in the Southern hemisphere) nooze!
Before I get into anything else I want to acknowledge that the big wide world is a scary place at the moment and it’s really hard to be in it and not feel overwhelmed and worried. I hope that you have a bubble that you can feel safe in. If not, feel free to reply and I can share resources I am aware of. Please also feel free to share resources with me that I can share with others. I know that many of you, like me, want to make the world a better place and fight injustice. We can’t do that if we’re burnt out, overwhelmed, and hiding under the duvet. So try to keep on top of self care (full disclosure – I’m not good at this!). And remember:
Come and be joyful with me and my neighbours!
The second instalment of Queer Cabaret Merri-bek is happening on 16th May and it’s going to be joyful, anarchic and absolutely an act of resistance and defiance in the face of rising right wing sentiment.
Oops, looks like maybe I missed March! Here’s a lowdown:
Adelaide Fringe was fun – as always
Newcastle Fringe was a hoot and so many people showed up and sang with us at Love-aoke- PURE JOY!
Unladylike for Castlemaine Fringe sold out and the audience were simply lovely!
Melbourne International Comedy Festival is well underway! I’ve done a couple of spots and have a show with Nicky Barry 18th and 19th April (see below)
I was anaemic, but thanks to the wonders of modern medicine, I am now fully dosed up with good things and hopefully can return to my usual mode of non-stop action!
What’s Next?
This Fri (11th April) is the first of two Queer Cabaret shows for Merri-bek. This project is supported by Arts Merri-bek through the 2024-2025 Flourish Arts Grant Program.
18th and 19th April Nicky Barry and I are up to our usual antics with UnLadylike for comedy festival.
April 20th is 420 In the Park and I’ll be hosting and joined by Biro and DJ ShiKung, for a peaceful picnic celebrating all things cannabis: its growing use as a life changing medicine, industrial applications, and of course recreational use!
Follow me on the socials.
Hope to see you soon at a gig or just around! Thank you. Love you. Bye. x
I’ve heard a few people lately explain that they can’t believe it’s nearly March *already*! For me, I can’t believe it’s *only* February! This year already seems so full and busy.
On top of gigs, renovating my kitchen, farewelling one of our cats, and general mumming and running a house, I started a new ‘day job’, with the Legalise Cannabis Victoria party. I’m their new Community Campaigns Coordinator. Some of you may know that I’ve done some work with them with my creative hat on, hosting events. When I saw this job come up (and I was in need of a regular source of income!) I jumped at the chance. Along with their primary purpose of getting cannabis legalised, they advocate for reform in many other areas and I feel proud to work with such a great and passionate team.
You can check out their great work – and consider volunteering if you’re able – here.
Love-aoke launched at The Motley Buahaus for a special Valentine’s show. We had a hoot! Thanks to my rather ancient (by the standards of modern consumption!) telly, we had a bit of a technical glitch at the start, but we soon got our groove and the very understanding and patient audience brought the energy!
Love-aoke will be touring to Newcastle (NSW, not UK) in March. BOOK HERE!
I’ve slipped straight into what’s coming up. If you want to know more about what has already been, feel free to follow me on IG @thereallucybest I also have @Queer_Cabaret for the Queer Cabaret shows I produce (and they’re coming up in April and May) and @LuNi_oke for all the singalong shows with Nicky Barry (@Barrymeplease)!
March appearances!
3rd March I’ll be on the line up for Adore Handel’s Pot Pourri This unforgettable variety soirée promises an enchanting night brimming with burlesque, cabaret, comedy and drag performances by a stellar lineup of eclectic artists. Hosted by the ever-scandalous Adore Händel!
6th March I’m heading to Ballarat for the very lovely Good Will Comedy Goodwill Comedy Club is a feel-good comedy night, with no mean-spirited crowd work. Highlighting diverse voices, and presenting newcomers and seasoned comedians alike. Hosted by the wonderful Neptune Henrikson. You can even dress up to win the coveted ‘Best Dressed’ Award, and two free tickets to the next show. Theme: Falling Leaves
13th-16th March Nicky Barry and I will be heading to Adelaide to launch a new show – Unladylike. Keep an eye out on my socials for links. And if you’re in Adelaide I look forward to seeing you there!
The weekend after that is Love-aoke at Newcastle Fringe.
We get back to Melbourne for Melbourne International Comedy Festival. You can catch me late and live at The Exford, as well as probably some other spots!
Unladylike will hit the road and head to Castlemaine Fringe on 29th March, with a line up of a few of our unladylike buddies! (We’re also wrapping up Comedy Festival on 18th and 19th April, but I’ll share links and deets for April in March!, because that’s probably enough of an update for today!)
When I was a kid I had a beaded purse with a black swan on it that came from Perth. I don’t know where I got it. Maybe I came through the airport once. But I THINK this is my first time in Western Australia.
Once again I am struck by how huge this country is. I’m also reminded that, although it is one country, each state is so different. Perth feels like a different country to Melbourne, which is kinda lovely, cos I’m having a working holiday.
I came to check out Perth Fringe World and coincided it to be here to support my friend, Becky Steepe, whose new (and first) solo show, Cancer Card, has started a tour here. Becky’s show is going great and she’s had some excellent reviews, including a 4 star one. YAY!
I competed in Perth’s famous Gong show on Thursday night. I didn’t get gonged and I didn’t even get a yellow paddle (which was how the audience voted for people to get gonged)! I was one of several finalists and the winners were picked by audience noise. I didn’t win any cash, but was pretty happy with the outcome. You can check it out here – me awkward pre-show in the green room, and then my actual set at around 45mins and 35 seconds!
Last night I took part in Art Shank – like Shark Tank, but for Art W@nk! It was so much fun and I loved connecting with some other creatives, who love a bit of chaos! Ooh, and I won some sweet, sweet cash for my pitch – Dissociating: An interactive, therapeutic, theatrical experience. It’s a long story but it involved jelly in a paddling pool!
Fringe World!
I don’t think any of my subscribers are in WA, but just in case – here’s a few of recommendations (click on them for more info):
Um. Sorry about that. The Christmas show went well. I neglected to get anyone to take photos, so you’ll just have to take my word for it!
And the festive season was fun, despite several pre Christmas hiccups!
I hope to resurrect Disgraceful Christmas for a UK audience this Christmas!
Up Next:
9th Feb I’ll be hosting a Queer Comedy show at Victoria’s Pride at lunchtime (12.15pm!) as part of Midsumma
Then I’ll be going to Jack Brady’s Erasing Mamhood (also part of Midsumma). Jack’s keen for more bums on seats, so come check it out with me! Jack says it’s going to be raw and real (and I’m sure it will also be funny and entertaining!)
14th Feb aka Valentine’s day! Nicky Barry and I are launching our brand new singalong show Love-aoke! It will be the usual madness and joy, as we bring people together to sing songs about love, lost, unrequited, passionate etc. Something for everyone! Bring a date or three (or none – you do you!)
I also got a new and very exciting day job, but I think I’ll tell you about that next time! That’ll probably do for Nooze for now, I’ve got Fringe World shows to catch!
Hello! How are you my lovelies? Welcome to my November Nooze. The sun has been shining here in Melbourne and we’ve had some rain. My garden is like a jungle (not a euphemism!).
Since I last noozed I had a lightning trip to London for my big brother’s wedding and I got to visit my little brother on the set of Big Brother UK, which he hosts (we have good hosting genes, what can I say?!). So that was fun! I was only in London for 4 nights, which is bonkers but it was worth it. I crammed so much into my time and (thanks to the wedding) managed to see most of the people I usually take 2-3 weeks to see. The rest of you – I’ll be back next year to squeeze you!
Since getting back I’ve been working on my Disgraceful Christmas show! It’s a very silly show, about finding your own traditions and ways to celebrate. It will be at The Butterfly Club on 13th and 14th Dec and at PiP Theatre, as part of The Toucan Club Cabaret Festival, in Milton, Brisvegas on 20th and 21st Dec. I hope to see you there and if you can’t make it please send your friends and loved ones!
The brilliant Lauren Bok joined me at a rehearsal recently, to give feedback and help with the show. Turns out Lauren loves Christmas AND she loves the show! She also helped me enormously with the physicality of the show. It’s going to be fun! You should catch Boklesque as part of Midsumma in Jan, cos it’s an absolute hoot and also very clever and sexy!
Before my Christmas show, you can catch me on Tues 3rd December at the Moulin Beige Christmas Show. I love Moulin Beige and I’m always honoured to be on the line up. It’s the most glorious celebration of avant garde cabaret, absurdity, and joy!
Then I’ll be making my first appearance at Goff’s Comedy on 4th December.
I’ll be back hosting Queer Cabaret on Jan 10th and I’ve (as always) got a wonderful line up for you, so start 2025 off right and come along to The Motley Bauhaus to see:
Drag from Naarm based Mistress of The Dark, Marilyn Costello. Marilyn’s here for all your gothic performing needs.
