Content warnings: Mild sexual content, allusions to transphobia, allusions to familial issues. 

The Titwitchez School of Titcraft and Boobery graced the halls of the Motley Bauhaus this April, raking in a full theatre at the Motley Bauhaus for their debut at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival—and for good reason. Created by “Headmasters” Emily White (they/them) and Liv Bell (they/them), this erotic schooling journey soared above and beyond a traditional education. With a rotating cast of trans, non-binary and gender-nonconforming performers; the burlesque-cum-drag-cum-stand-up routine was inordinately raunchy, impeccably choreographed and peppered with comedic timing that catches you perfectly off-guard.

The show—as you may have noticed, seems to take its title from a very popular fantasy series which ‘must not be named’. Nevertheless, White and Bell fostered communal cheering as they tore pages from a book featuring imitations of said fantasy title on its cover. With J.K. Rowling losing her mind online in increasingly frenetic transphobic rants, the reclamation of her work for explicitly queer purposes seems only fitting.

The Titwitchez’ dedication to every single joke should not be understated. Even when something went awry, the self-aware quips made with one another only succeeded in adding a layer of authenticity to the performance. Audience participation included acknowledging “the straights” in the room (of which there were two seated behind me), who later cemented themselves as certified “allies” to the queer community by holding the key educational prop of a mini disco ball. We were informed however, that it was only miniature due to costs. To think budget was the only thing holding them back! Despite this, costumes were camp, crazy and bedazzled to the nth degree. The home-made look to the outfits, of which there were several, lent the show a feeling of authenticity. Whilst not professionally sourced, the crop tops, sequins, and sparkles - plus the occasional (comedic) nip-slip - felt relatable and intentional. Like the show, the costumes didn’t take themselves too seriously, which is exactly why the sweatpants-mesh-glitter combos worked so well.

Both White and Bell are astoundingly in sync, a duo obviously built on friendship, ingenuity and a potential career path in aerobics—or Zumba. Not only were their routines laced with sharp comedic commentary, but they performed this whilst hurling themselves about in the most well-choreographed dances I have ever seen. The pair’s expertise lies not only within dancing and jokes, but in weaving the two mediums of stand-up and burlesque together,_, creating a mesmerising routine. Yes—there was dry humping, yes—it was on brooms and yes; it was an exceedingly clever crash course in gender and expression—and it was tantalisingly sexy!

Though the show had a rotating cast of individual performers, the night I attended also introduced the audience to three guest teachers: Darmanatrix—the disco daddy P.E. teacher, Nicola Pohl—the pervy beatboxing janitor and Lucy Seale—the energetic roller-skating mosquito. Darmanatrix’s chair-based drag routine simultaneously gave the audience daddy-issues, whilst somehow comforting those with absent fathers. In fact, my highlight of the show was Darmanatrix brandishing the hotdog hidden in the crotch of very tight leopard-print speedos and eating it with impressive enthusiasm.

Pohl’s characterisation gave us creepy-uncle-at-your-family-barbecue in a confusingly sexy way. Their fuckboy-esque comments were screeched through a barely audible, smarmy whisper - what you didn’t hear was made up for in exceedingly intense audience eye contact and sexually charged beatboxing. A mosquito may have felt out of leftfield, but Seale’s dedication to pursuing a lamp on a mop handle (held by a dutiful audience member) whilst on roller-skates was entirely unique and incredibly amusing. With only a few stumbles, I was completely convinced she was going to have her way with that lightbulb.

The Titwitchez School of Titcraft and Boobery was breathtakingly entertaining and engaging, exhibiting the undeniable potential of the Titwitchez as they continue to create. The only thing this well-oiled machine could benefit from is simply further experience! Their warmth and connection both on and off the stage was something I witnessed first-hand, and highly recommend you keep up with their gender-bending antics. Be it kooky, sexy, or ridiculous, the Titwitchez had it covered, and their show was a gorgeous testament to queer joy that left my jaw aching with laughter.

Instagram contacts:

@the_titwitchez

@darmanatrix

@nicola.pohl and @sugarbitscomedy

@lucytheperformingseale