Well it’s June again and you know what that means – it’s Pride Month! And Qtopia Sydney, an organisation dedicated to showcasing queer creativity, is running a month-long Pride Fest.
Toasting Aussie Theatre interviewed three creatives involved in this year’s festival, and the diversity of stories and performers is so incredibly exciting! Check out the program of shows, installations and events here, and read on for insight into the production and creative processes behind Pride Fest.
Carly Fisher, Qtopia’s Artistic & Programs Director
Tell me about your role in Pride Fest 2024.
I am the Artistic and Programs Director at Qtopia Sydney and as such, have had the great privilege of programming the Pride Fest season. We received applications from all over the country and are thrilled to have been able to give the stage to amazing artists from around Australia, and the world, and from across the community as well. In programming Pride Fest, it was important to me that we maintained our commitment to our spaces being multi-genre in their programming so we have drama, comedy, stand up, drag, cabaret, live podcast recordings, literary events, panel discussions, artisan workshops, and more taking part in Pride Fest 2024.
What does Pride Fest mean to you, and why is it important for Sydney to have these dedicated spaces and events?
Pride Fest is an awesome reminder that Queer culture and art continues year round and not just in the early months of the year. June is a significant month for the LGBTQIA+ community as it is internationally recognised as Pride Month. Sydney has long had a wonderful Pride Month committee that organises and advertises great Queer events around the city. We are proud to be part of this year’s Pride Month offerings and especially, to be playing our part as a significant contributor to the cultural activities in this year’s Pride Fest.
We are so centrally located so this year, you can start your night with us and see a great show, then visit one the great neighbouring establishments like Bei or The Oxford Hotel (who both have great offers exclusively for Qtopia Sydney audiences!) and finish your night at any of the exciting Pride Fest parties along Oxford Street.
However you want to celebrate Pride this month, you can do it in cultural epicentre of the city that is Darlinghurst and we are extremely proud to be a part of that!
What are you most excited for in Pride Fest?
I couldn’t pick a singular event! There is so much that I’m looking forward to!! But for me, what I am most excited for is the audience. Our spaces are unique and brand new and this is a wonderful way to introduce Sydney audiences to new intimate performance spaces that will offer quality productions in the heart of Darlinghurst year round.
By the end of day 5 of Pride Fest, over 350 audience members had already been in for shows, many who were visiting Qtopia Sydney for the first time. It is an honour to get to welcome them all and share with them our amazing spaces – theatrical and also our 18 exhibitions. It’s the best month to come and to come often with really affordable events (most tickets are $35 or less), complimentary entry to see our exhibitions with your theatre ticket and great vibes as we celebrate Pride Fest and the amazing creatives that are part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Luke Bell, Drag Performer and Creator of Adore Handel’s LIttle Black Book
Tell me about your role in Pride Fest 2024.
My name is Luke Belle and I am the performer behind Drag Persona “Adore Handel” and am one of the many artists bringing their work to Pride Fest this year. I am bringing my solo show Adore Handel’s LIttle Black Book to Pride Fest this year at The Loading Dock Theatre. I am based in Naarm/Melbourne and I am excited to bring my show to Warrane/Sydneythis year.
What does Pride Fest mean to you, and why is it important for Sydney to have these dedicated spaces and events?
To me, pride signifies proudly showcasing my identity as a bisexual performer and infusing drag with Adore Handel’s distinct flair. Yet, pride encompasses much more—it’s about fostering connection, spreading warmth, and eliciting joy. When folks experience an Adore Handel performance, it’s about offering them a whimsical queer getaway from the everyday grind. If I can bring a smile to someone’s face, transport them from their routine, and introduce new audiences to the magic of drag, and the queer community then I’ve truly achieved my goal.
What are you most excited for in Pride Fest?
What excites me most about Pride Fest is the collection of shows that are being presented and seeing so much fresh talent, including myself! It is so exciting to see people create art and give their point of view in an amazing venue such as The Loading Dock Theatre.
Matthew Barker, Creator, Writer and Performer in The Fish Bowl
Tell me about your role in Pride Fest 2024.
I am performing in The Fish Bowl – a multi-award winning immersive theatre production about how we can better care for people living with Dementia. The Fish Bowl is on at Qtopia – The Loading Dock from the 19th of June to the 23rd of June.
What does Pride Fest mean to you, and why is it important for Sydney to have these dedicated spaces and events?
Pride is about being visible, community and most importantly celebrating what community can achieve by living outside of the binary.
Spaces like Qtopia are integral for queer artists and audiences to share stories and illuminate new and exciting ways to live your life.
What are you most excited for in Pride Fest?
This is my first Sydney pride festival so i’m excited to see what it is all about! It’s heard it’s big, fun and full of joy!
Let’s go see some theatre! Dance a bit! Have a gay ol’ time!
Toasting Aussie Theatre 