Matt Hewson
Iconic Australian cabaret company Yummy brings its award-winning blend of burlesque, circus and drag to Greater Geelong when the Potato Shed hosts Joy Machine this week.
Yummy – Joy Machine features an all-star cast, including Miss Burlesque Victoria Velma Vouloir, Miss First Nations Supreme Queen Cerulean, clubland icon Jandruze, celebrated contemporary dancer and drag artist Benjamin Hancock and circus sweetheart Hannie Helsden.
Founded in 2015 by renowned drag artist James Welsby (aka Valerie Hex) as an underground club cabaret, Yummy has gone on to tour the world to critical acclaim, selling shows on London’s West End and earning awards such as the Green Room Awards’ Best Cabaret Production (2018).
The show is normally emceed by Welsby as Hex, but the Potato Shed will see up and coming trailblazer Milo Hartill oversee proceedings for the first time.
Welsby, who is still in the director’s chair for the show, said he was “really excited” to see Hartill take on the emcee role.
“She’s a rising star in musical theatre, and also an internet personality,” he said.
“She’s quite special. I think she’s unique in the Australian cabaret context. And it’s also great for me to have a young and emerging artist to mentor and give opportunities to.
“I knew her before she graduated from the VCA, and she stood out as a real talent, someone to watch. I think she’ll be like a breath of fresh air into the production.”
Yummy – Joy Machine is at the Potato shed on Saturday, July 20. Book at potatoshed.com or call 5251 1998.
