Northern Rivers Hit Brings Disco, Drag and Pride to Sydney
SOLD-OUT NORTHERN RIVERS MUSICAL HEADS TO SYDNEY PRIDE FEST
A Midsummer Night's Queen Universal Downstairs, Sydney 18–20 June 2026
After a sold-out premiere season in the Northern Rivers, the original Australian musical A Midsummer Night's Queen is heading to Sydney for a limited three-show season. Written by Michael Sharmon, directed by Kylie Fuad and choreographed by Danielle Linegar, A Midsummer Night's Queen is a bold new Australian musical that celebrates queer identity, community and belonging through camp glamour, heartfelt storytelling and electrifying musical numbers. Loosely inspired by Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing and set against the backdrop of a vibrant queer festival, the production blends larger-than-life characters, dazzling costumes, powerhouse vocals and disco-fuelled energy.
Following its sold-out debut season at Mullumbimby's Drill Hall Theatre, the production now makes its Sydney season debut at Universal Downstairs as part of Qtopia Sydney's Pride Fest. For writer Michael Sharmon, the work has been years in the making.
"A Midsummer Night's Queen has been something I've been dreaming up for many years," he says. "It's the most vulnerable I've ever felt as a writer, but I hope audiences connect with it. I want people to laugh, dance, sing along and maybe see the world from a different perspective. We're so excited to be bringing the show to Sydney audiences as part of Pride Fest."
Director Kylie Fuad says the production is as meaningful as it is entertaining.
"This show is a fabulously fun frolic, but it also carries an important message about inclusivity, love and being yourself," she says. "Our goal is simple: to send audiences home smiling, with full hearts and a little more joy in the world."
Bold, joyous and gloriously over the top, A Midsummer Night's Queen promises a night of disco-fuelled theatre that celebrates individuality, community and the magic of live performance.
AUDIENCE RESPONSE FROM THE SOLD-OUT PREMIERE SEASON
“Just fabulous, costumes to die for, filled me with so much joy. Fierce, fun & full of delight. A must see” - Jeannie Clague
“A Midsummer Night’s Queen was absolutely fantastic! Loved every second - it had me dancing, laughing, crying and wanting more!” - Chrystal Dawn
“What a great show ‘tis Midsummer Nights Queen. Glitz, glamour, raw emotion, bitching and bravery galore. All the intrigue of backstage at a drag show, seamlessly interspersed with passionate performances. A truly topical and poignant story beautifully executed, visually spectacular, and passionately wrought. A great new piece of Australian Theatre that just happens to focus on the experiences of the Rainbow Community. It is at heart, a very human story that is suitable for any audience.” - Gray Wilson
EVENT DETAILS A Midsummer Night's Queen Dates: 18–20 June 2026 Time: 6:30pm Duration: 90 minutes Venue: Universal Downstairs, Sydney Tickets: https://tickets.qtopiasydney.com.au/Events/A-Midsummer-Night-s-Queen
Presented as part of Qtopia Sydney Pride Fest.
ABOUT DRILL HALL THEATRE COMPANY
The Drill Hall Theatre Company, based in Mullumbimby, creates diverse and engaging work for the Northern Rivers community while championing local artists and new ideas. With a strong track record of acclaimed productions, the company is committed to developing original theatre from concept to full-scale performance.
