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Isabella Thompson Review by Isabella Thompson 3 Published: 5 Aug 2025 Underbelly, Cowgate Show Dates: 31 Jul 2025-24 Aug 2025

In white club-kid clown makeup and rhinestoned lederhosen, Goody Prostate is ready to debut a new performance – only to be suddenly called upon to headline a local library’s reading hour for children and their parents. This sends them spiralling, prompting a philosophical unraveling about childhood, the politics of parenting and societal expectations.

There is something undeniably compelling in Stewart’s performance

The premise is rich, and the performance begins with promise, especially when combined with a lip-sync to Lady Gaga’s Scheiße. However, once it’s revealed that the character will be performing for children, their existential exposition stretches a little long, dragging down the pace and undoing the initial bang of the opening.

The reflective moments on growing up are tender and sincere, and the underlying commentary about delayed adult realities and the claustrophobia of social norms resonates. However, some choices verge on the predictable: when a traumatic memory surfaces, it’s met with a swell of poignant music. While the philosophical musings are timely and often thought-provoking, they sometimes arrive without clear dramatic provocation. The work would benefit from more stage action and plot points to ground these emotional and intellectual outbursts.

There is, however, something undeniably compelling in Stewart’s performance. At times echoing Cabaret’s MC, their physicality and stylised delivery are mesmeric, and feel most alive when the piece leans into vaudeville and drag-inflected theatricality – especially in contrast with their Germanic roots and references to the far right. More lip-syncing, clowning and performative play might allow Stewart’s exaggerated style to land more impactfully than the current swings towards naturalistic monologue.

The highlight comes in a fascinating sequence exploring the legacy of Magnus Hirschfeld, LGBTQ+ rights pioneer and defender of queer literature, which cleverly ties back to the show’s premise. It’s moments like these where the thematic and narrative threads feel most aligned.

Culminating in an alphabetical lip-sync and a revamped, child-friendly clown costume that is endearing, camp and visually satisfying, Goody Prostate showcases Stewart’s clear talent and potential. With further dramaturgical development, this could evolve into something truly compelling. As it stands, it’s a thoughtful and earnest piece that doesn’t quite hit the sweet spot – but still lingers in the mind.

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The Blurb:

An unexpected call from a library derails a performance planned by newly arrived drag artist Goody Prostate, booked to headline a local reading hour. Forced to scramble together a new act in real time for a crowd of unruly children and their parents, Goody spirals into a chaotic exploration of childhood, memory, stories and what it means to truly grow up. The library is open – sit down, be quiet and listen. Because sometimes, reading is what? Fundamentalist. ***** (List). ***** (BingeFringe.com). ***** (WhatsTheShow.com.au). ***** (SeeDoEatReview.com).