Margot Tanjutco

Australia's best and brightest queer comedians are back for another round, in this comedy gala guaranteed to split sides and provide a night of good times and laughter for audiences.

This year's line-up includes Geraldine Hickey, Thomas Jaspers, Rosie Piper, Margot Tanjutco, Selina Jenkins, Jake Howie, Nina Oyama and Jay Wymarra, and is hosted by the award-winning Nath Valvo.

In preparation for her 'Laugh Out Proud' set, Margot Tanjutco is listing the pros and cons of making the Mardi Gras more like the lesbian period film 'Ammonite' (2020), because why not?

“So. . . I’m not saying I dread Sydney Mardi Gras but I have been in Melbourne’s iso state of mind for almost a year now and I’m still getting used to being 'out' and 'about' again.

Call me Kate Winslet in lesbian period film 'Ammonite' (2020) because I loved being a moody gay recluse!

In saying that, I’ve also missed being in queer spaces. A lot.

And whilst I am definitely looking forward to my first show back in front of an audience for 'Laugh Out Proud', Mardi Gras’ iconic queer comedy night, I also wish I could somehow still be in that solitary island of my own making.

When I saw 'Ammonite' (2020) recently, I really felt it.

'Ammonite' (2020) is, of course, that movie where Kate Winslet plays a reclusive fossil collector and Saoirse Ronan is the lady who walks into her depressing shop by the beach.

They don’t talk much and are just sitting at home most of the time which pretty much sounds like heaven to me.

There are many reasons as to why I would prefer the 'Ammonite' (2020) treatment over the glitterbomb of Sydney Mardi Gras. . .

But I thought I’d make a pros and cons list before trading in my boob tube for a bonnet.

Thus, this Virgo convolutedly presents to you:

The Pros And Cons of making Sydney Mardi Gras more like lesbian period film 'Ammonite' (2020):

PROS, or why it’s good that Mardi Gras is not like 'Ammonite' (2020):
1. I will be at Mardi Gras
2. Nath Valvo, Geraldine Hickey, Nina Oyama, Thomas Jaspers, Rosie Piper, Selina Jenkins, Jake Howie and Jay Wymarra will also be there
3. The presence of lesbians born after 1799
4. More than three lesbians
5. Flushing toilets
6. The mere possibility, nay, guarantee, of gay laughter
7. Lesbians may speak openly instead of exchanging silent, longing looks (however whether they choose to take advantage of this freedom is up to each individual party)
8. People of colour
9. Less racism probs
10. Low likelihood of contracting tuberculosis

CONS, or why it’s bad that Mardi Gras is not like 'Ammonite' (2020):
1. I was not in 'Ammonite' (2020)
2. Nath Valvo, Geraldine Hickey, Nina Oyama, Thomas Jaspers, Rosie Piper, Selina Jenkins, Jake Howie and Jay Wymarra were also not in it
3. The invention of electricity has made candle-lit hookups a rarity
4. Not enough fossils
5. Not enough rocks
6. Not enough bonnets
7. Grey colour palettes not used to their complete homoerotic advantage
8. The lack of Kate Winslets
9. The lack of Saoirse Ronans
10. Low likelihood of getting eaten out in a seaside cottage

What do you think?

Can I have my 'Ammonite' (2020) and eat Mardi Gras too?”

'Laugh Out Proud' is on at Enmore Theatre 26 February.

Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival – A Huge 2025 Event And Festival Director Lisa Rose's Last Hurrah

Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival – A Huge 2025 Event And Festival Director Lisa Rose's Last Hurrah

As Sydney gears up for one of the city’s most anticipated cultural events, the Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival promises a dazzling line-up of...

The Iconic, Naughty Musical Avenue Q Is Hitting Melbourne

The Iconic, Naughty Musical Avenue Q Is Hitting Melbourne

The Tony Award-winning musical ‘Avenue Q’ is heading to Melbourne’s National Theatre for a run this February-March, presented by AG Theatre.
Panti Bliss – The Queen Of Ireland Returns Down Under For Stories And Soul-Searching

Panti Bliss – The Queen Of Ireland Returns Down Under For Stories And Soul-Searching

Pack your sequins – the inimitable Panti Bliss is bringing her wit, wisdom, and wigs to Australia this summer with her smash-hit comedy, 'If These...

Groundbreaking LGBTQIA+ Series Invisible Boys Hitting Stan In February

Groundbreaking LGBTQIA+ Series Invisible Boys Hitting Stan In February

‘Invisible Boys’, an emotional tale of individuality and belonging adapted from the award-winning novel by Holden Sheppard, will hit Stan this...

First Look And Premiere Date: The Real Housewives Of Sydney Returns For Season Three

First Look And Premiere Date: The Real Housewives Of Sydney Returns For Season Three

‘The Real Housewives Of Sydney’ is almost back on our screens for an explosive and entertaining third season – starring all the familiar faces from...

Review: Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible Is Going To Happen @ Arts Centre Melbourne

Review: Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible Is Going To Happen @ Arts Centre Melbourne

An empty stage, except for a microphone, a stand, and a chair. Enough to strike fear into theatre goers who prefer to watch only, those who are...

Juno Birch Australia 2025 Tour

Juno Birch Australia 2025 Tour

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No – it’s Juno Birch, and she’s returning to earth.
Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival 2025 Programme

Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival 2025 Programme

Queer Screen is asking cinema lovers to come together, for the 32nd Mardi Gras Film Festival in Sydney.
Australian Open: 7th Floor Theatre And Angus Cameron Serve Up A Sharp Queer Comedy In Brisbane

Australian Open: 7th Floor Theatre And Angus Cameron Serve Up A Sharp Queer Comedy In Brisbane

Brisbane's PIP Theatre is partnering with 7th Floor Theatre, kicking off its 2025 season with 'Australian Open', a sharp, fast-paced comedy by Angus...

Bianca Del Rio On Being Dead Inside And Down Under

Bianca Del Rio On Being Dead Inside And Down Under

'Dead Inside' is not for the faint-hearted, says Bianca Del Rio, the 'Joan Rivers of the drag world' and noted insult comedian.
ALOK Australia 2025 Tour

ALOK Australia 2025 Tour

Internationally acclaimed poet, comedian, public speaker and actor ALOK brings a ‘Hairy Situation’ to Australia next February.
PIGROOT – Presenting A Queer, Midsummer Party In Perth

PIGROOT – Presenting A Queer, Midsummer Party In Perth

Ash Baroque and Riot Poof present PIGROOT in Perth – a new, filthy dive bar hosting a midsummer art party for queers, and enthusiasts of pearls,...

Joel Creasey Australia 2025 Tour

Joel Creasey Australia 2025 Tour

Stand-up comedian and Nova co-host Joel Creasey will embark on his ‘Thanks For Being Here’ tour around the country from early 2025.
Qtopia Sydney Loading Dock Theatre 2025 Season

Qtopia Sydney Loading Dock Theatre 2025 Season

The second season of Qtopia Sydney’s Loading Dock Theatre features a stellar line-up of Australian and international works.
Midsumma Festival 2025 Programme

Midsumma Festival 2025 Programme

The 2025 programme for Melbourne’s Midsumma Festival has landed – with around 200 events celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community.