Upfront
Upfront returns as one of the festival’s most stacked nights; bringing together a huge lineup of local and international female and non-binary talent for a fast-moving, anything-goes showcase.
Hosted by Michelle Brasier, the night opened with a big musical energy, as she launched into songs throughout about the Fast & Furious franchise and her love for the cartoon version of Aladdin. Michelle was the perfect choice to lead the evening.
First Half Highlights:
- Abby Howells (NZ) and her thoughts on Taylor Swift
- Cassie Workman sharing stories about living in America
- Danielle Walker talking about dating and role-play
- Felicity Ward on navigating post-divorce life on the dating apps
- He Huang on spending a year as a bald woman
- Kate Dolan discussing hens party chaos
- Kushi Venkatesh discussing her return journey from India
- Nikki Britton getting the crowd up and moving for some sexy aerobics
- Sharon Wanjohi (UK) taking the audience through some affirmations
- Celia Pacquola on being a young mum and navigating the anxiety that comes with it.
Second Half Highlights:
- Alex Hines and Sarah Stafford spending a day at the beach
- Jo Gowda on cultural double standards
- Lou Wall taking on tall men
- Sam Nicoresti (UK) learning to be a woman in the same way one uses Duolingo
- Sez discussing first orgasms and period mishaps
- Tarsh Jago trying to sell the crowd seahorses
- Zoë Coombs Marr on trying to disprove the ‘Australia is a hoax’ theory
- Mish Wittrup performing a breakup anthem with help from her Woolworths rewards card.
With so many wonderful acts packed into the one showcase, Upfront continues to be one of the best opportunities of the festival to see so much amazing talent in one room, all in one night.