Electric Fields
Launching in 2015, Electric Fields’ exceptional trajectory saw them invited to perform in China, Scotland, and New Zealand within the first 6 months; and by the end of their first year they had headlined shows around Australia; received several awards; and were signed to Sony Publishing. The following year they became recipients of the coveted Stigwood Fellowship, and since this time have taken out a total of 24 awards, to include several state and national awards for the National Live Music Awards. In 2019 alone, they were honoured with 8 awards, were finalists for another 7 awards including an ARIA for Best Live Band and were named a close 2nd for Eurovision – Australia Decides.
Appearing in Vogue magazine 3 times, being described as ‘movers of the next gen’, Electric Fields are in continuous, high demand, averaging 50 shows a year prior to the pandemic, and since then, delivering an average of 1 live show per week.
They have opened, closed, and headlined multiple festivals across Australia, with recent shows including opening World Pride Festival; and playing Sydney Harbour’s NYE concert; NITV’s Anniversary at Uluru, and Mushroom/Briggs’ First and Forever at Hanging Rock – all which were broadcast on national TV and streamed. Their most recent performances include Treaty Day Out, Naarm, Melb; Storyland Music Festival, Coffs Harbour; Gaytimes, Vic; NGV; Off-beat Festival; Castlemaine Festival; Woodford Festival; Art for All at the Domain; Summer Festival; Harvest Festival.
In March 2021, under Electric Fields’ creative direction and production, their astounding one- off self-curated live show INMA, garnered 2 standing ovations, 5-star reviews, and received a request to be remounted to close the Fringe Festival 2021 – ultimately taking out the Pick of the Fringe Award.
2022 included playing at the Australian Open, and the AFL Grand Final, performing in Los Angeles for the AAA Gala Event, and playing in Central Park New York as a part of Sounds Australia. In April & May 2022 they delivered their second sold-out national tour – the Gold Energy Tour – playing Melb, Hobart, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Darwin, and Freemantle. And in July 2022 Electric Fields delivered their exceptional and critically acclaimed performance with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, described as ‘the highlight of the year’ – with a request from the MSO for a remount for this year on 8 July.
In 2023, they have now also performed their orchestrated works with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra; and in Oct 2023 will be performing with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
Across the years other international invitations have included performing in England, Hungary, Germany, Poland, Malaysia, Indonesia, with second invites to return to Scotland and New Zealand.
Along with the live work Electric Fields bring to the stage, they have received numerous invitations from programs presented at the Sydney Opera House, and their outstanding musical output includes multiple commissions – having composed for several films; producing an award-winning piece for ABC KIDS TV; composing for VIVID at the Sydney Opera House, broadcast across the harbour; and composing for the Sydney City Council, for a live and national television broadcast of the NYE celebrations in 2019.
Most recently, a 30-minute Electric Fields composition, created for the extraordinary work Electric Skies, became an award-winning event for Fringe Festival 2023.
Rhonda Burchmore
From Sydney to London’s West End to the depths of the South African jungle, Rhonda Burchmore has endeared herself into the hearts of all Australians.
With a smile that could light up the Sydney Opera House and a career spanning over 40 years, this vivacious, flame-haired beauty continues to turn heads wherever she goes and draw thunderous applause wherever she performs.
She has forged a lengthy career in one of the toughest and most unforgiving industries, show business, yet as critics attest, she just keeps going from strength to strength.
Few Australian entertainers have shared her status and immense popularity amongst her peers, who admire Rhonda for her big personality, big heart and enormous capacity to give back to the industry that has shaped her career.
Highlights of Rhonda Burchmore’s illustrious career include performing on London’s West End in Sugar Babies featuring Mickey Rooney and Ann Miller, Stop The World I Want To Get Off with Anthony Newley, starring opposite David Atkins in the original Hot Shoe Shuffle and opening Crown Casino with her cabaret spectacular Red, Hot & Rhonda – playing to over 60,000 people.
Other productions include lead roles in Into the Woods, Mame, Easter Parade, Annie Get Your Gun, The Boyfriend, Urinetown, They’re Playing Our Song, Song & Dance, Guys & Dolls, Respect- A Musical Journey of Women, Little Orphan Trashley, Eurobeat, Calendar Girls, La Cage Aux Folles, Jerry’s Girls, The Drowsy Chaperone co-starring Geoffrey Rush and as Tanya in the original Australian production of Mamma Mia! Rhonda is currently starring in the box office smash Hairspray.
In 2016 Rhonda co-produced and starred in the outrageous TWINS with Trevor Ashley; which after a sell-out premiere season at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, headlined the Adelaide Cabaret Festival the same year. In 2017 Rhonda produced, co-wrote and starred in ABBA-solutely Fabulous with best friend Lara Mulcahy, which continues to play sell out engagements across the country. The two dynamos returned in 2019 with a new Rhonda Burchmore Production Partners in Crime.
In 2020, Rhonda appeared on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, winning the hearts of Australians and placing third., Rhonda will debut a lead recurring role in Channel Seven’s sitcom Fam Time in an upcoming release. Rhonda’s other television credits include regular performances on long running variety shows Hey Hey It’s Saturday, The Don Lane Show, The Mike Walsh Show, The Midday Show, Good Morning Australia with Bert Newtown, Spicks and Specks and Carols by Candlelight. Rhonda has also appeared as a featured guest on Kath & Kim and more recently on Nine Network’s Love Child. Rhonda is also a regular panellist on Studio Ten and is a familiar face across Australian morning television. Rhonda made her film debut in the role of Kate in The Pirate Movie and more recently as Cheryl in The Wedding Party.
In 2014 Rhonda was awarded the OAM for her service to the performing arts and community.In 2014 Rhonda won the Cabaret Icon Award at the International Adelaide Cabaret Festival.
Rhonda’s cabaret shows include My Funny Valentine, Fever, Everybody Loves Rhonda, Legs 11, Cry Me A River- The World Of Julie London, Rhonda Burchmore Sings ‘n Swings and Vinyl Viagra.
In 2002 and 2012 Rhonda won Female Vocal Performer of The Year at the MO Awards and ACE Awards.
In 2011, Rhonda released her auto-biography Legs 11: My Life in Front of the Lights and Backstage, with New Holland Publishing. It’s substantial success resulted in a 2018 re-release with additional chapters.
Rhonda has recorded five albums including A Red Hot Swingin Christmas, Pure Imagination, Midnight Rendezvous, Live At The Melbourne Concert Hall and Cry Me A River – The World of Julie London with ABC Records.
Geraldine Hickey
Its been a brilliant couple of years for Geraldine Hickey.
Gez’s deceptively effortless knack for turning low-key yarns about agapanthuses and bouncy-castles into high-stakes, endlessly funny narrative rollercoasters culminated in her Most Outstanding Show award at the 2021 Melbourne Comedy Festival.
A firm favourite of and in the Australian comedy scene, Geraldine’s 2019 show Things Are Going Well received a nomination for the Melbourne Comedy Festival Award for Most Outstanding Show, while she also took home the coveted comedians’ choice Piece of Wood Award. Things Are Going Well is available as a podcast special on your ABC: you can listen here.
From 2016 to 2021 Geraldine was a co-host on the much-revered breakfast radio show Breakfasters on RRR, and has made multiple appearances on ABC Radio, Triple M and the Hit Network. Geraldine has appeared on The Project, Have You Been Paying Attention? and Hughesy, We Have a Problem.
Gez also stars as Dr Stephanie Huddleston in Metro Sexual – a mockumentary series set in a sexual health clinic in which her warmth and deadpan style shine through every consultation. A new series of Metro Sexual aired on 9Go! in Australia and via OutTV internationally in late 2021.
Her Award Winning stand up show What A Surprise is available to stream on Paramount Plus.
Cerulean
Cerulean is one of Naarm/Melbourne’s most dynamic and vibrant conceptual performers bringing a refreshing cloud of excitement and pleasure to the stage, representing the Torres Strait Islands as a proud Meriam drag artist. As the current reigning winner of the national Miss First Nation pageant in 2021 and the Supreme Queen pageant at Sydney World Pride 2023, she is set to propel her way into shaping the future of drag. With 4 years of drag under her belt, she’s performed and hosted at various festivals, clubs and community events around the nation. As a visionary performer, you can expect her to deliver compelling stories through exceptionally fierce and entertaining drag performances that will leave audiences salivating for more.
Miss Ellaneous
Growing up in Darwin Northern Territory, Ben was the first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male from the N.T. to graduate from the NIDA Acting course and the only Indigenous person to have completed a graduate diploma from the same institution. His extensive career in the Australian performing arts industry includes theatre and film. Miss Ellaneous is an original Darwin Diva! Beginning her fabulously glittery journey in 2002, Miss E has had an extensive career on and off the stage and has performed throughout Australia and internationally. Known for her powerful and dynamic performances, she has established herself as one of the country’s finest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Drag Queens.
Marzi Panne
Daniel Cunningham found his love of performing in the multicultural tropics of Darwin, his hometown. With limited entertainment options growing up he invented Marzi Panne as a way to get into nightclubs underage and she has been with him ever since. A trained theatre practitioner, Daniel graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts in 2004 and has toured nationally with theatre shows. He has spent extensive time in China and other Asian countries as a choreographer for international beauty pageants and is now proud to call Melbourne home. Party Passport events have been his primary focus for the last 3 years and he says he is “thrilled and proud of what we have managed to create”.
Ferocia Couture
A fierce femme ready to pounce, Ferocia Coutura captivates her prey one death drop at a time. Sharpen your claws… Ferocia has arrived. Ferocia Coutura has emerged as one of Darwin’s most exciting Queens to watch. Making her way from the world of dance to the light of Drag, she’s been stunning audiences around the country with her dramatic performances, high energy moves and comedic flair. Making her debut with Drag Territory after years of watching the Queens she came out ready! Originally a professional dancer, she trained at the world famous Brent Street Performing Arts (SYD) and danced with the Gary Lang NT Dance Company, Tracks Dance and Rix Kix Arts. The stage is her stomping ground, regularly appearing at Throb Nightclub and Monsoons (NT) and in the musical “Jesus Christ Superstar” (2016, Brisbane) and “Chicago” (2017, Brisbane). Darwin born and bred, she believes the laid-back relaxed nature of the Tropics gives her an edge on stage… quite frankly darl’, she doesn’t give a damn. Combining elements of high glamour with high bogan, this stylish sweetheart is “just there for a good time”. Slinking her way through the jungle of Drag, this ferocious diva has already made a name for herself. In 2019 she represented the NT in Drag Nation and has performed all over from Broome Mardi Gras to Darwin Pride Festival to Kakadu.
Vogue MegaQueen
Vogue MegaQueen is one of Darwin’s finest Drag performers. Camp, classy and crass, this creative Queen tears up the stage with grace and sass. Renowned for her seamless shows, hilarious hosting and camp couture, she leaves a trail of sequins and fans wherever she goes. Originally from Perth, Vogue MegaQueen has been entertaining audiences for over 15 years. Born to perform, she’s shared the stage with some of Australia’s greatest Drag talent and billed alongside superstars Carlotta, Rhonda Burchmore, Jessica Mauboy and Crystal Love. Likened to a Botticelli angel in Drag, this social Queeninspires audiences and artists alike, once the subject of a painting by Archibald Prize winning artist Wendy Sharpe. Vogue MegaQueen is living proof that “Its okay to be trans and a Drag Queen”, she’s a proud and open Trans Drag Performer who advocates for the rights and lives of LGBTIQA+ communities. She has performed around Australia and internationally with a solid list of festivals and events under her diamante belt. A co-founder of Drag Territory, Vogue produces and performs shows that celebrate the Territory’s vibrancy and talent. Always taking her creativity to the next level, she has competed in national pageants “Queens of the Galaxy” and “Drag Nation”. Her passion for community has seen her lend her performance and hosting skills to countless charity events like the Northern Territory Aids and Hepatitis Council (NTAHC), World AIDS Day, Breast Cancer and RSPCA fundraisers. To date she has helped raise over $30,000 for charity and organisations. Vogue MegaQueen believes “the audience gives you life”… So live your true self and a fabulous life with Vogue MegaQueen.
Prawn Cracker Spice
Serving a delicious blend of sweet and sassy Drag, Prawn Cracker Spice will leave you hungry for more. Originally a backup dancer, she decided that nobody puts Prawn Cracker in the corner. With a wig in hand, she took her glittery place centre stage and has never looked back. Folklore claims she got her name after rocking up to a Darwin Drag club with a giant bag of Prawn Crackers, which she then proceeded to inhale before morphing into a glamazon camp Queen with a love of lashes. Half that story is true. In just two years this trained dancer turned Queen has managed to build a reputation as one of Darwin’s top Drag performers. Bursting with sexiness, comedy and Asian flair, she delivers old school 80s style with contemporary beats. After joining the camp crew at Drag Territory, Prawn Cracker Spice has performed around the Northern Territory and beyond. She’s proudly spiced it up at multiple Darwin Pride Festivals, the Broome Mardi Gras, Kakadu, for Vintage Doll Productions, Throb Nightclub, Moonsoons, Departure Lounge and more. Always professional and fun, her electric stage presence and upbeat personality make her a crowd favourite. In 2017 she was runner up at the Darwin heat of Drag Nation, taking away the People’s Choice Award and it’s no wonder… She’s loveable, hilarious and highly addictive. You can never get enough of Prawn Cracker Spice.
Jacqui Cunningham
Jacqui Cunningham has shown to be an Eora mainstay throughout their dynamic DJ career, showing a unique flare that’ll summon any dance floor. From disco to the purest of house & techno, they have established themselves as a genre merging DJ / Producer, with inspirations dating back to the classic records of Frankie Knuckles & Masters at Work. Being classically trained in piano at a young age, and having a music teacher as a Mother, their understanding of classic and contemporary music shines through every performance, aiding for cutting edge DJ sets mixed with waves of nostalgia.
This is probably why Jacqui’s history in the music scene has shown many impressive highlights. In the beginning years of their DJ career, they founded the notorious Sydney brand “GiRLTHING”, which is one of the biggest LGBTQIA+ collectives in Australia. GiRLTHING has toured throughout Australia, Singapore & Indonesia, not to mention selling out the iconic Metro Theatre every Mardi Gras, showing support from thousands of queer punters and their allies over the years.
Independently to GiRLTHING, Jacqui Cunningham has become a staple in the Australian festival circuit, playing recent shows at Lost Paradise, Laneway Festival, Dark Mofo & Splendour in the Grass. They have shared the stage with some international heavy hitters like Peggy Gou, Jayda G, Denis Sulta, LF System, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Kylie Minogue, Ru Paul, Chicane, Horse Meat Disco & Hercules & Love Affair, just to name a few! It shouldn’t be unmentioned that Jacqui also closed out the infamous World Pride Bondi Beach party earlier this year, playing to a roaring 15,000+ revellers.
On top of festival shows, Jacqui is very well acquainted with the local clubbing scene, regularly playing in some of the countries most pronounced venues on a weekly basis. From intimate bunker DJ sets to shows in massive pavilions, Jacqui has the ability to instil emotion in crowds big or small, with a collection of music dating back to the early 00’s.
Internationally, Jacqui has performed at festivals like “Yo! Sissy Festival” in Berlin and “Circuit Festival ” in Barcelona. Last year alone they performed at Pony Boy in NYC & The Treehouse in Nicaragua. They also recently featured on Potato Head’s “Headstream Radio” in Bali. Jacqui has appeared on other live streams such as TEDx, triple j’s Friday Arvo Mix / The Kick On, FBi Radio, JOY FM (Melb), Radio Electronica (DE), as well as being asked to appear on SOHO radio in London and as a guest speaker on the EMC panel with Honey Dijon.
Adding to Jacqui’s breadth of musical prowess, they released their debut EP on Karussell Records, “Paloma” in 2022, which has managed to secure them their shows in the USA and Central America. Jacqui also just recently remixed “Unknown Associates” latest single, which is available for download and streaming on all platforms in April 2023.
Estelle
Freddie Merkin
We all know what a drag queen is but have you had the opportunity to witness the amazing ness of a Drag KING?
Well now you can….
Born out of the East of Melbourne Freddie Merkin is one of Australia’s favourite Kings. Starting his career at a mature age 6 years ago he has gained himself quite the reputation for making both the ladies and gents question just what exactly they are feeling. Passionate about diversity, inclusion and sharing the love he also prides himself on his bushy upper lip and a wardrobe with more spandex and Lycra than an 80s aerobics class. Working around the country at festivals and events such as Chillout, Drag’d out Beechworth, Mardi Gras, FabAlice, Gay Ski week and as your main captain aboard all 3 of the Pride P &O cruises Freddie will have you screaming those tried and true party ballards as he struts his stuff.
If you like your kings hairy, he’s your fella.
Victoria Mami
Victoria Mami is a fun-loving and high-energy performer with a spicy Latin personality. She loves to party and have a good time and always brings a lot of energy to the stage. Her performances are always full of life and excitement, and she knows how to get the crowd going. She is sure to bring a special flair to any event.
Donnie Piccolo
Donnie Piccolo is a lover, fighter and a certified overbiter. This Darwin Drag King has performed around Australia & around the world, from out bush to the big city.
Donnie Piccolo is the alter ego of performer, storyteller and radio presenter Lisa Pellegrino.
Lisa is a proud member of the Darwin LGBTIQA+ community and is passionate about inclusivity, community and the power of stories & entertainment.
Kween Kong
Kween Kong, founding director of the House of Kong and drag superstar is known for her standout performance as a finalist on Drag Race Down Under Season 2. Beyond the drag scene, Kween Kong has showcased her talents as a Choreographer/Dancer during the Nelly Furtado Tour, proving she’s not just a queen but a versatile entertainer.
Her stage presence extends from opening acts for Pablo Vittar to headlining the BLAK and Deadly Ball at the Sydney Opera House. Kween Kong has also lent her voice to current affairs, appearing as a Guest Speaker on The Project, Today Extra Show, NITV, and Q&A, addressing a range of topics.
In addition to her drag career, Kween Kong has hit the runways as a model for Zambezi and Camilla, making her mark in the world of fashion. She’s not just a performer; she’s also a recognisable face as a Brand Ambassador for Virgin Australia, Sally Hansen, Sims 4, Kayak, Wyndham Hotel, and Selfie Kit.
Adding to her list of accomplishments, Kween Kong proudly served as the Festival Ambassador for the Adelaide Fringe Festival in 2022 and 2023, as well as Sydney World Pride. Her photo has graced the covers of Star Observer, Express, The Age, and Out Magazine, and she appeared on billboards for Sydney World Pride, Adelaide Fringe Festival, and Virgin Australia.
Recognising her rising star, Kween Kong received a Logie Nomination in 2023 for the Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent. With her diverse talents, influential partnerships, and commitment to various causes, Kween Kong is making her mark as a drag superstar, breaking barriers and redefining the world of drag.
The Huxleys
Will and Garrett Huxley (Aus/Gumbaynggirr/Yorta Yorta) are Melbourne-based collaborative performance and visual artists. Who work together as The Huxleys.
The Huxleys are a dynamic duo of cataclysmic proportion who present camp commentary and spectacle across the visual art, performance and entertainment sectors. Their photography and performance art traverses the classifications of costume, film and recording. A visual assault of sparkle, surrealism and the absurd, The Huxleys saturate their practice and projects with a glamorous, androgynous freedom which sets out to bring some escapism and magic to everyday life.
Since 2014 The Huxleys have performed, exhibited and participated in numerous exhibitions, projects and events in Australia, and internationally in London, Berlin, Moscow and Hong Kong. Solo presentations, performances and commissions include the Melbourne International Arts Festival; Melbourne Fashion Week; Sydney Contemporary; Hong Kong Design Week; Heide Museum of Modern Art; Art Bank, Melbourne; NGV; AGNSW; QAGOMA; AGSA; AGWA and the National Portrait Gallery, Canberra; The Huxleys first came to prominence during the early years of MONA FOMA and Dark Mofo in Tasmania.
