Melbourne Fringe Festival 2026
in
Romantasy takes on a whole new reality.
Meet Thistle: a jaded old fairy with a filthy mouth, a wicked imagination and one very steamy tale to tell. A live, multi-character romantasy comedy for grown-ups, written and performed by award-winning comedian Rama Nicholas.
- Until Sun 18 Oct
- 7:30pm
- 60 minutes
- Ages 16+
Playing at Underground UpstairsQueen Victoria Women's Centre
210 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
The Show
Pull up a toadstool.
Tonight's bedtime story, wandering adventurer, is a wildly funny, gloriously unhinged romp through the world of romantasy.
In Fairy Smut, Rama Nicholas conjures an outrageous multi-character night of smutty fantasy, surprising plot twists and razor-sharp comedy. Expect heaving codpieces, smouldering fairy princes and naughty dragons whose slow burns end in spontaneous combustion.
Character comedy, fantasy and romance collide as one performer brings an entire fantasy world to life: hilarious, theatrical and, against all odds, a little bit romantic.
For adults, 16+. Strong coarse language, sexual references, descriptive sex scenes, drug references, death and violence. Sudden loud noises; low audience interaction.
Opening night
Straight from the audience
Opening-night audience members give their verdict on Fairy Smut.
Book Tickets
Play the opening-night audience video (YouTube)
Created & performed by
Rama Nicholas
Rama Nicholas is an award-winning actor, comedian and improviser, and a director, writer, filmmaker and teaching artist with more than 25 years in the industry. Rama is best known for multi-character solo comedy that blends mind-bending character work with storytelling, playing up to 20 characters in a single show.
Rama also performs, directs and teaches improvisation at festivals and with theatre companies around the world.
Previous solo shows
- 2013Death Rides a HorseWinner, Fringe on Tour Award, Melbourne Fringe Festival
- 2014After Ever AfterWinner, Moosehead Award, Melbourne International Comedy Festival · Nominee, Golden Gibbo
- 2015Mary Weather's MonstersWinner, Fringe on Tour Award, Melbourne Fringe Festival
- 2017The Lucky OnesMalthouse Theatre · Winner, Queensland Tour Ready Award for comedy · Nominee, Golden Gibbo, MICF · Nominee, Best Comedy, Melbourne Fringe
- 2023EvidenceMalthouse Theatre, Melbourne International Comedy Festival
- 2025Friends with MontyQueen Victoria Women's Centre, Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Praise for Rama's previous work
These reviews are of earlier shows by Rama Nicholas, not of Fairy Smut.
“Rama Nicholas is brilliant… pure, bottled brilliance.”
“Monstrously funny and surprisingly profound.”
“A masterclass in skilled character work.”
“A divine physical story teller.”
Plan Your Visit
Dates, venue & tickets
Remaining performances, October 2026
- Sat 10 Oct7:30pm
- Sun 11 Oct7:30pm
- Tue 13 Oct7:30pm
- Wed 14 Oct7:30pm
- Thu 15 Oct7:30pm
- Fri 16 Oct7:30pm
- Sat 17 Oct7:30pm
- Sun 18 Oct7:30pm
No show on Monday 12 October. Running time about 60 minutes.
Venue
Underground Upstairs
Queen Victoria Women's Centre
210 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Age & access
Ages 16+. Listed by Melbourne Fringe as wheelchair accessible, with accessible toilets.
Access questions: Melbourne Fringe box office, 03 9660 9666.
Post-show drinks & food
The story doesn't have to end at curtain call.
Fairy Smut has teamed up with Arcane Fairies, the bar and eatery across the road from the Queen Victoria Women's Centre. Make a night of it and keep the fairy mischief going before or after the show.
20% off food and drinks all night. Just show your Fairy Smut ticket to staff on entry.
Try a fairy-themed cocktail like Aura's Blush, or the Smash Burger.
Arcane FairiesGround floor, 185 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
| Wed, Thu & Sun | 5pm – 1am (kitchen closes 11pm) |
|---|---|
| Fri & Sat | 3pm – 3am (kitchen closes 1am) |
| Mon & Tue | Closed, so no offer on Tuesday 13 October |
Eating before the show? Allow plenty of time. We recommend getting there around 6pm.
Book a table at Arcane FairiesGood to know
Questions
What time does it start, and how long is it?
Every performance starts at 7:30pm and runs for about 60 minutes.
Is it suitable for teenagers?
Fairy Smut is for ages 16 and over. It includes strong coarse language, sexual references, descriptive sex scenes, drug references, death and violence.
Will I be dragged on stage?
Melbourne Fringe lists the show as having low audience interaction.
Is the venue accessible?
Underground Upstairs is listed by Melbourne Fringe as wheelchair accessible, with accessible toilets. For specific access needs, call the Melbourne Fringe box office on 03 9660 9666 before you book. The show includes some sudden loud noises.
Where do I buy tickets?
Tickets are sold through Melbourne Fringe.
Where can we go after the show?
Arcane Fairies, across the road at 185 Lonsdale Street, gives Fairy Smut ticket holders 20% off food and drinks: show your ticket to staff on entry. It's open Wednesday to Sunday. Opening hours and details.
Grab your grimoire. Loosen your laces.
Rama Nicholas in Fairy Smut · Underground Upstairs · 7:30pm until 18 October
Book Tickets