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?
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.
Dyan Tai’s ‘Let’s Get Bubble Tea!’ Gets An Orchestral Rework
Hyperpop electronic artist Dyan Tai is celebrating the two-year anniversary of the breakout single ‘Let’s Get Bubble Tea!’ with a bold reimagining.
Melt Festival Brisbane 2026 Programme
Queer Screen Film Fest 2026 Programme
Jenny & Joel Creasey Australia 2026 Tour
Stop! That! Train! Film Review
There comes a point in 'Stop! That! Train!' where the fate of humanity hinges on a runaway locomotive, a haunted tunnel, a nuclear facility, and...
Premiere: Stream Cassy Judy's New Single 'I've Come So Far – Symphonic'
Grace Petrie Australia 2027 Tour
Save The Date – Coastal Twist Arts & Culture Festival Returns To The Central Coast In 2026
Pack your beach bag, sequins and party wear. . . Coastal Twist Arts & Culture Festival is returning to the New South Wales Central Coast this...
Beccy Cole Returns To Groundwater Country Music Festival With New Music And Healthy Perspectives On How To Cope With Pain
For more than three decades, Beccy Cole has been one of Australian country music's most magnetic performers. Eleven Golden Guitars, an induction...
Listen: Jett Blyton’s New Single ‘What Have You Done’
Following a successful debut headline tour and viral fan-favourite track ‘Noise’, Australian pop provocateur Jett Blyton has released the explosive...
Delta Goodrem Australia 2027 Tour
Following a one-off Sydney show and celebration of her upcoming album ‘Pure’, multi-platinum, ARIA Award-winning pop icon Delta Goodrem will bring...
Stop! That! Train! To Play In Australian Cinemas This August
Adam Kay Australia 2026 Tour
Best-selling author, comedian, and Britain’s twelfth-favourite doctor Adam Kay, is returning down under with his festive live show ’Twas The...
Melbourne International Film Festival 2026 Queer Highlights
Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) returns in 2026, bringing more than 300 screen works to cinemas across Melbourne and regional Victoria, with MIFF...

















