Matt Hewson
The newly-redeveloped Geelong Arts Centre (GAC) will once again play host to the Melbourne Fringe Encore as a satellite venue this month.
The event will feature the memorable, the unexpected, the bizarre and the fabulously flamboyant, with six curated shows playing over three nights from Thursday, October 26 to Saturday, October 28.
The program includes an intimate, dumpling-filled performance by Alisa Tanaka-King and Ania Reynolds, recovering perfectionist Scout Boxall, a celebration of all things fat in Full Cream, musical comedy duo Mel and Sam, the award-winning Na Djinang Circus and internationally-acclaimed drag cabaret superstars Yummy presenting their show Joy Machine.
Yummy founder, director and executive producer James Welsby, who also stars in Joy Machine as emcee Valerie Hex, said he was excited to bring the company, with its blend of drag, dance, circus and burlesque, to Geelong for the first time.
“It’s very easy-watching, very fun, fast-paced, short-format variety entertainment,” he said.
“Cabaret removes the fourth wall, so you’re not seeing a plug-and-play production that is the same in every context. Every performance is unique, and kind of acknowledges that this group of people has never been in the same place before and will never be in the same place again.
“And that is a really special, wonderful thing, so let’s make some magic happen.”
Head of programming Penny McCabe said GAC was “absolutely thrilled” to host the Melbourne Fringe Encore for the third consecutive year, this time in the venue’s brand new spaces.
“Our commitment to fostering innovation and artistic expression is perfectly aligned with the spirit of Melbourne Fringe, and we can’t wait to witness the magic that will unfold within these walls,” she said.
