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Posted Nov 20, 2024
Midsumma is very proud of its artists and producers. Here's the scoop on many events from some of the great media supporting the 2025 Midsumma Festival.
Events are listed alphabetically. Within each event, the most recent article appears first.
- A Body at Work: 28 Jan-1 Feb
- 29 Jan: Kim Hitchcock, Arts Hub: **** A queer woman's 17-year career in the sex industry is unveiled
- 29 Jan: Cameron Woodhead and Liam Pieper, The Age: ***** Demystifying sex work through experience distilled into art, it dispels changing, but still ingrained, prejudice and misconception to help us see real life more clearly (behind a paywall)
- Alf Alpha's Cocktail Hour: 30 Jan-1 Feb
- 24 Jan: Dean Arcuri, QNews: Drag king history helps Alf Alpha shake things up in Midsumma debut
- An Evening Without Kate Bush: 5-8 Feb
- 7 Feb: Kris Weber, Theatre Matters: **** Whether you are a ‘Fish Person’ or simply along for a lively night out (or, indeed, the air-con), there’s a space for you here
- 6 Feb: Madeleine Swain, Arts Hub: ****1/2 For those who love Kate Bush, but also for those who don't... yet
- Blacknificense - The Cotton Club Experience: 24-25 Jan
- 28 Jan: Beth Child, Arts Hub: ***1/2 A personal celebration of the gay and black contributions to jazz and popular music in the 20th century
- CODED: 23-25 Jan
- Compose Queer x Queerstories: 6-9 Feb
- 4 Feb: Dean Arcuri, QNews: Classical gets queer as composers & Queerstories unite for Midsumma
- Day For It: 4-8 Feb
- 7 Feb: Jason Whyte, Australian Arts Review: By having dramatic scenes balanced by more humorous times, it seems a worthy contribution to the dramedy genre
- Dead To Me: A Comedy Ghost Tour: 23 Jan-1 Feb
- 5 Feb: Michelle Drinnan, Theatre Travels: It's a must-see for comedy lovers and those looking to experience Melbourne in a new light.
- 24 Jan: Myron My, My Melbourne Arts: Bell displays a good grasp of storytelling and regardless of whether this all actually happened, it remains entertaining, and what else could you want from a comedy show?
- Feeling Afraid as if Something Terrible is Going to Happen: 14 Jan-1 Feb
- 19 Jan: Kate Cameron, Not Safe For Queers: With a smattering of absurdity and surrealism, Dos Santos has crafted a masterful text
- 19 Jan: Kim Hitchcock, Arts Hub: ****1/2 A dark comedy about queer romance, mental health and emotional vulnerabiity
- 19 Jan: Kris Weber, Theatre Matters: For a show based heavily around gay male hookup culture, Feeling Afraid… is relatable to any audience
- 17 Jan: Cameron Woodhead, The Age: **** Funny, impish and heartbreaking: This show is 'a gay male Fleabag' (read past the Dionne Warwick article)
- 16 Jan: Myron My, My Melbourne Arts: It is filled with a great deal of quick wit and ingenious one-liners present, but this production is also a beautiful reminder that even when our head and heart are screaming that this is never going to work, joyful things can happen to us if we let them
- 15 Jan: Tamuz Ellazam, Star Observer: Samuel Barnett On ‘Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible Is Going To Happen’ (And Why He Doesn’t Anymore)
- 31 Dec: TimeOut: A “permanently single” comedian meets his match in this acclaimed one-man-show in town for Midsumma
- Gippsland Pride Festival Day: 25 Jan
- 20 Jan: Dean Arcuri, QNews: Gippsland Pride Festival Day unites across regional Victoria
- Hera Björk - The Queen of Effing Everything: 21-25 Jan
- 3 Jan: Aussie Vision: Hera Björk's Queen of Effing Everything Australian tour dates
- Homophonic!: 7-8 Feb
- 14 Feb: Anne-Marie Peard, Australian Arts Review: Homophonic! is a rare opportunity to hear new and experimental classical music and will almost guarantee that you want to hear more of it
- 12 Feb: Beth Child, Arts Hub: ****1/2 The concert was a simply staged, heartfelt celebration of musicianship and the talents of our queer community
- 10 Feb: Susanne Dahn, Theatre Travels: Thank you to Miranda and the entire team for an unforgettable season. Can’t wait for the next one
- 8 Feb: Patricia Di Risio, Stage Whispers: Homophonic! is an unstoppable force that generates nothing but positive, warm-hearted, passionate, and nurturing musical delight and energy
- HONŌUR: 31 Jan
- 22 Dec: Naomi Lawrence, Star Observer: HONŌUR: A Party Celebrating Queer BIPOC Legends
- Labyrinth: 1-8 Feb
- 7 Feb: Daniel Brace, Classikon: Impressive performances from Forest Collective in a wonderfully creepy Labyrinth
- 6 Feb: Myron My, My Melbourne Arts: Labyrinth is an impressive production with all the elements seamlessly coming together
- 3 Feb: Paul Selar, Australian Arts Review: Lawson and Szesiong Todd have a persuasive and engaging piece with Labyrinth ...
- Feb 2025: Patricia Di Risio, Stage Whispers: This production expertly delivers an exquisite study and examination of a profound and sometimes dangerous emotional introspection.
- LGBTQIA+ Scented Cinema - Hairspray (1988): 24 Jan
- 10 Jan: Star Weekly: Cult-classic set to be a sensory treat
- Liza's Good Judy: 30 Jan-7 Feb
- 18 Feb: Beth Child, Arts Hub: Classic songs in an ambitious tribute to, and exploration of, legends Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli
- 1 Feb: Greg Gorton, Theatre Travels: Liza’s Good Judy is a beautiful spectacle, and deserves that large, more complex stage, where the creatives could show everything they are capable of.
- Love Unheard: Celebrating Queer Composers Through Music: 1 Feb
- 4 Feb: Jason Whyte, Australian Arts Review: The performance did feel like a celebration, and this was supported by the detailed, glossy program where vividly coloured pages held interesting insights
- MESSY FRIENDS: 6-8 Feb
- 4 Feb: Yannick Benoit, Perth Happenings: It would be an understatement to call Messy Friends inspiring (Review of same show in FringeWorld, Perth)
- Midsumma Carnival: 19 Jan
- 20 Jan: Dean Arcuri, QNews: PHOTOS: Midsumma Festival Carnival Day 2025
- 17 Jan: Kris Weber, Theatre Matters: Get Ready for Carnival as Midsumma Festival Kicks Off This Sunday!
- 17 Jan: Dean Arcuri, QNews: Check out awesome queer talent this Sunday at Midsumma Carnival
- 19 Dec: Naomi Lawrence, Star Observer: Midsumma Carnival 2025
- Midsumma Pride March: 2 Feb
- 20 Feb: Michael Barnett, Australian Jewish News: A moment of solidarity, hope and optimism
- 8 Feb: Cori Mitchell, MSN: Melbourne’s Midsumma Pride March was a sizzling party down under
- 3 Feb: Dean Arcuri, QNews: PHOTOS: Midsumma Pride March 2025: Gallery 1 + Gallery 2 + Gallery 3 + Gallery 4 + Gallery 5
- 2 Feb: ABC News: Midsumma Pride March draws thousands as LGBTIQA+ community fears international vilification
- 2 Feb: Ashleigh McMillan, The Age: Sun, sweat, sequins: Midsumma Pride March hits milestone
- 2 Feb: Callum Godde, The North West Star: March goes on as LGBTQI movement stares down MAGA hate
- 2 Feb: Jordan Hirst, QNews: Vic Premier joins Pride March with vow to protect trans folk
- 2 Feb: Joy Media: View livestream (video, 2:44:22)
- 2 Feb: Michael James, Star Observer: Huge Crowds Turn Out For Midsumma Pride Despite Controversy
- 1 Feb: Dean Arcuri, QNews: Will Vin Tagè be the best dressed at Midsumma Pride March?
- 27 Jan: Dean Arcuri, QNews: Riding with Pride for the first time at Midsumma Pride March
- 8 Jan: Tamuz Ellazam, Star Observer: Midsumma Pride March: 30 Years Of Marching (And Reporting) With Pride
- Milo Hartill: Black, Fat and F**gy: 3-6 Feb
- 31 Jan: Gabi Bergman, Aussie Theatre: An unmissable journey through music and identity this February at UMAC with Milo Hartill and David Arden
- MONSTER: 29 Jan-2 Feb
- MQFF Presents: Midsumma Movies: 31 Jan-2 Feb
- 20 Jan: Out Takes, Joy Media: Spotlight on the 2025 Midsumma Movie Program (podcast, 52:04 — 47.7 MB)
- Nonlimerent // Monosexual: an Aromantic and Asexual History: 1-20 Feb
- 11 Feb: Cade Lucas, Star Weekly: Exhibition highlights the A in LGBTQIA+
- Panti Bliss: If These Wigs Could Talk: 4-9 Feb
- 6 Feb: Kris Weber, Theatre Matters: **** The full house ascended to their feet, giving a well-earned standing ovation
- 24 Jan: Australian Arts Review: The ‘Queen of Ireland’ Panti Bliss returns to Arts Centre Melbourne this Summer
- 2 Dec: Kris Weber, Theatre Matters: The ‘Queen of Ireland’ Panti Bliss returns to Arts Centre Melbourne for Midsumma Festival
- 22 Nov: Aussie Theatre: The ‘Queen of Ireland’ Panti Bliss returns to Arts Centre Melbourne for Midsumma Festival
- Park Lounge: 1Feb
- 10 Jan: Wyndham City: Sparkling New Line Up for Park Lounge
- Playing Second Fiddle - Minor Character, Major Song: 28-30 Jan
- 27 Nov: Maribyrnong City Council: Midsumma Westside: Playing Second Fiddle – Minor Character, Major Song
- QRAVE: The Performance: 29 Jan-1Feb
- 3 Feb: Kim Hitchcock, Arts Hub: **** A combined performance and exhibition presenting queer histories
- Ruthless! The Musical: 28 Jan-2 Feb
- 10 Feb: Beth Child, Arts Hub: ****1/2 Interwoven tales of raging ambition for theatre stardom, with songs, sequins and satire
- 2 Feb: Michelle Drinnan, Theatre Travels: Don't miss your chance to experience this satirical gem – it's a delightfully wicked ride that will leave you wanting more.
- 12 Dec: Stephi Wild, Broadway World: RUTHLESS! THE MUSICAL Comes to Midsumma in January
- Sauna Boy: 28 Jan-8 Feb
- 20 Jan: Australian Arts Review: Back by popular demand, Gavin Roach and Dan Ireland-Reeves presents Sauna Boy
- 5 Jan: Blair Ingenthron, Broadway World: SAUNA BOY Comes To Melbourne
- Small Acts of Resistance: 5-8 Feb
- 6 Feb: Beth Child, Arts Hub: **** Strong, simple, effective social circus, celebrating strength on every level
- SPARK: 21-25 Jan
- 24 Jan: Cameron Woodhead, The Age: *** ... the performers are all talented, and Spark should amuse and entertain those who have struggled to find love in the digital dating world, queer or not (scroll past the Penn & Teller article)
- 21 Jan: Theatre Works: In Conversation with Ryan Henry | SPARK
- Tender: 29 Jan-8 Feb
- 8 Feb: Myron My, My Melbourne Arts: It's a highly considered concept with an energetic and committed cast that has something of value to share through its creative acts
- 4 Feb: Jenna Schroder, Arts Hub: ***A sexy production for fans of aerial performance
- 2 Feb: Rachael Vasallo, Theatre Thoughts: …a bold work, employing shocking visuals that are ethereal, original creations
- Feb 2025: Patricia Di Risio, Stage Whispers: This is an energetic and adventurous show that unapologetically articulates a different vision of what it means to be tender
- 29 Jan: Cameron Woodhead, The Age: ***** See it before the world catches on and ticket prices rise (behind a paywall - scroll down to CIRCUS CABARET | MIDSUMMA)
- 1 Oct 2024 (for Sydney Fringe Festival): Felicity Amos, The Fourth Wall: Like a well-orchestrated seduction this show knows exactly what it’s doing and how to make the audience go ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’
- The Butcher, The Baker ...: 5-15 Feb
- 12 Feb: Cameron Woodhead and Tony Way, The Age: ***If you love cabaret as an art form, you must see this provocative show (behind a paywall)
- Feb 2025: Michael Brindlay, Stage Whispers: ... this sort of attempt at something different is refreshing and should be rewarded.
- Thirty-Six: 21 Jan-2 Feb
- 28 Jan: Kim Hitchcock, Arts Hub: **** Theatre is a safe space in which to explore the complexities of life for transwomen
- 26 Jan: Kate Cameron, Not Safe For Queers: no matter how many queer stories you’ve heard, it’s definitely worth hearing this one
- 24 Jan: Cameron Woodhead, The Age: **** ... beautiful and enlightening piece
- 23 Jan: Kris Weber, Theatre Matters: What a monumental thrill it is to see a flourishing, expansive canon of local trans theatre emerge
- 16 Jan: Stephen A Russell, Timeout: The title of this Midsumma play is named for the old wives’ tale about the life-expectancy of trans women
- 23 Dec: Kris Weber, Theatre Matters: THIRTY-SIX at fortyfivedownstairs
- Truth To Power Cafe: 5-6 Feb
- 22 Jan: Kris Weber, Theatre Matters: Jeremy Goldstein’s Award Winning Truth To Power Cafe Reveals Impressive Midsumma Line-Up
- 23 Dec: Kris Weber, Theatre Matters: Jeremy Goldstein Presents the Award Winning Truth To Power Cafe at Midsumma Festival 2025
- 18 Dec: Stephi Wild, Broadway World: TRUTH TO POWER CAFE Comes to Theatre Works
- Victoria's Pride Street Party: 9 Feb
- 10 Feb: Dean Arcuri, QNews: PHOTOS: Victoria’s Pride Street Party 2025
- 9 Feb: Mirage News: Street Party Caps Off Victoria's Pride
- 8 Jan: Beat: Chelsea Wheatley to headline Victoria’s Pride 2025 Street Party under new name
- Wise Words – A Night of Intergenerational Storytelling: 6 Feb
- 30 Jan: Well, Well, Well, JOY Media: Living legend, author and activist Joan Nestle on her life and work and Wise Words – A Night of Intergenerational Storytelling (podcast, 53:01)
General Midsumma Festival 2025 News and Reviews
- 1 Feb: Robert Reid, The Saturday Paper: Something for everyone as Midsumma celebrates queer community
- 23 Jan: Dean Arcuri, QNews: Exhibitions, parties & family fun, it’s a jam packed Pride Centre Midsumma Program
- 21 Jan: Kris Weber, Theatre Matters: Celebrate Queer and First Nations Stories. Midsumma 2025 at Abbotsford Convent
- 18 Jan: Australian Pride Network: Top Picks for the 2025 Midsumma Festival
- 17 Jan: Richard Watts, Arts Hub: 2025 summer festival highlights for your arts diary: part 1
- 17 Jan: Dee Mason/Joy Breakfast, Joy Media: Morning JOY, Ruby Slippers.. Arty farty, pride anthems and TV Reload? (podcast, 1:15:34)
- 16 Jan: Stephi Wild, Broadway World: MIDSUMMA FESTIVAL Kicks Off This Weekend
- 11 Jan: Well, Well, Well, JOY Media: Discussions about Midsumma Carnival, plus Midsumma events No Pride in Racism, Wise Words and the AIDS Memorial Garden Tour (podcast, 1:23:24)
- 10 Jan: forte: Midsumma regional activation celebrates LGBTQIA+ communities across the state
- 2 Jan: Tamuz Ellazam, Star Observer: LGBTQIA+ Youth Takes Centre Stage
- 29 Dec: Out in Perth: Melbourne gets ready to celebrate with Midsumma
- 23 Dec: Naomi Lawrence, Star Observer: Victoria’s Pride Regional Activation and Iconic Street Party
- 22 Dec: Naomi Lawrence, Star Observer: Midsumma 2025’s Queer Imaginings
- 21 Dec: Saturday Magazine, Joy Media: Nevena and Paul talk to Karen Bryant, CEO of Midsumma (podcast 09:46min)
- 17 Dec: Dean Arcuri, QNews: Midsumma’s Queer Imaginings journeys beyond the fight towards what unites
- 7 Dec: Australian Arts Review: Midsumma Festival 2025 invites audiences to celebrate Collective Identity(s)
- 4 Dec: Photographer: Natalie Edge, Star Observer: Here’s All the Fabulous Photos From The Midsumma 2025 Launch
- 3 Dec: Richard Watts, Arts Hub: Midsumma and Mardi Gras programs ensure a queer summer ahead
- 3 Dec: Abbotsford Convent: Midsumma at the Convent 2025
- 29 Nov: forte: DANDROGYNY decorates Warrnambool with drag tomorrow night
- 29 Nov: Dean Arcuri, QNews: Midsumma launches 2025 program with over 200 events
- 28 Nov: Kris Weber, Theatre Matters: Midsumma Festival 2025 Launches For A Summer of Collective Identity(s)
- 28 Nov: Lydia Jupp, Star Observer: The Midsumma 2025 Program is Here!!
- 28 Nov: Scenestr: Midsumma Festival 2025 Programme
- 27 Nov: Broadway World: Midsumma Festival 2025 Launches For A Summer of Collective Identity(s)
- 26 Nov: Mirage News: Midsumma Festival Returns - 20 January To 9 February
