The Feast Festival is well and truly upon us and the Feast Festival Gayla this weekend showcased a fine array of performances to give a taste of what’s to come this month.

Hosted by the incredibly funny Lori Bell and featuring a diverse range of acts including stand-up comedy, drag, music, circus and burlesque, it was two hours of non-stop entertainment and hilarity.

To kick things off Edu Diaz transformed from a cleaner to a diva in their drag-meets-mime and lip sync performance “A Drag Is Born”. With surprises and costume reveals galore, it set the tone for the rest of the show in all its sequined dazzle.

Chinese Malaysian comedian Brendan Goh hit the stage with an intelligent and witty set that continued to warm the audience up. Goh’s jokes were as educational as they were funny and it was clear why it was not his first Gayla.

Newcomer Phoebe Rodger was a pleasant surprise, with a piano tune reminiscent of Tim Minchin or Amanda Palmer about the failings of high school career quiz tests that labelled her as an “Assistant Cabinet Maker”. Rodger will be one to watch in the local comedy scene for sure.

MC Bell kept the variety show running with quips and audience interaction throughout. Her ability to keep the vibes high meant there were no lulls the entire night.

The second act of the Gayla began with the seductive burlesque of Athena Darling. Darling had the crowd cheering for more with every slip of costume and swing of the tassels.

Circus duo Sam Matthewman and Amelia Walmsley wowed in their disco infused act blending slapstick comedy with impressive strength in one of the night’s highlights.

To cap things off, a comedic burlesque of chicken women lip syncing to Raye. Can you ask for anything more?

There was so much to enjoy in the 2026 Feast Festival Gayla and with performances running until November 22, it’s not to late to see some of these acts. Check out the full program here.

**** Four stars