‘Don’t miss the hidden gems’: Hugh Sheridan’s picks of the Fringe
After a two-year hiatus from performing at his beloved hometown festival, award-winning triple threat Hugh Sheridan is back and bursting for the 2025 Adelaide Fringe.
Known for his hit California Crooners Club shows and his own sold-out solo productions, the former Packed to the Rafters star has been a longtime staple at Australia’s largest arts festival. And while Sheridan’s upcoming two-night run at this year’s Fringe will focus on celebrating his latest album, last year’s Something Big (Live Recordings from Sing Sing Studios), the 39-year-old is eager to soak up the atmosphere across the city.
“In my humble opinion, the secret to having a really good time at Fringe is to take a chance on something you’ve never heard of,” Sheridan says.
“Each year when the Adelaide Fringe Guide lands in Adelaide, I grab a copy and head up to 2KW, order a glass of chardonnay and explore the whole program.
“This year, I’ve again uncovered some absolute gems that I’m excited to see and support.”
While he’s a fan of established names, Sheridan encourages audiences to also check out the smaller venues in the big hubs for fresh faces and unique performances.
“If you want to discover up-and-coming talent, don’t miss the hidden gems in the intimate spaces,” he urges.
With a mix of the well-known to the niche, here’s Hugh’s Top 10 must-see shows:
Simply the Best of Tina Turner
Australia’s favourite sultry songstress – and my dear friend Prinnie Stevens – is back with her brand-new cabaret show. Her powerhouse vocals and full live band will take you right through the legendary singer’s incredible career.
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February 26-28, Woodville Town Hall
The LadyBoys of Bangkok
They’ve been entertaining Edinburgh Fringe audiences for almost 20 years and now this well-loved group will make their debut in Australia. It’s deliciously naughty – risqué but never risky – and you’ll leave with a smile on your face and a song in your heart.
February 21 – March 23, The Octagon at Gluttony
Elf Lyons: Horses
The first-ever comedy show performed entirely by a horse, Treacle, created by British stand-up comedian Elf Lyons, looks so very interesting and something different.
February 21 – March 15, Hetzel Room, The Courtyard of Curiosities, Migration Museum
Joel Creasey will bring the comedy “gold” for his 15th solo show. Photo: Supplied
Bite
A nod to European erotic arthouse hosted by Adelaide’s own cabaret troublemaker Alex de Porteous, Bite looks seriously chaotic and I can’t wait to get my teeth into it.
February 21 – March 16, The Vagabond at The Garden of Unearthly Delights
Joel Creasey: Thanks for Being Here
I can’t believe it’s Joel Creasey’s 15th solo show. His comedy is gold and I’m looking forward to another of his signature hours of storytelling with all his trademark sass.
March 11-16, The May Wirth, Gluttony
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Fool’s Paradise
I love the line-up of family-friendly shows at this up-and-coming Fringe hub in the heart of the city. I’m excited for the headlining show Elixir Revived (in The Vault) and I’ll be taking my nieces and nephews to that and a couple of others.
February 20 – March 23, Victoria Square
Primal
I’ve been a long-time lover of Gluttony staple Rouge and can’t wait to check out their brand-new show debuting at Adelaide Fringe. It promises a similar sexy circus vibe.
February 20 – March 23, The Octagon at Gluttony
Sheridan has heard great things about Eva O’Connor’s “hilarious” performance in Chicken. Photo: Supplied
Bron Lewis – Who’s Talking?!
Bron Lewis is a comedian on the rise and one to keep an eye on. I’d definitely see her at the Adelaide Fringe and beat the rush at Melbourne Comedy Festival later in the year.
February 21-22, Rhino Room
Chicken
Chicken – performed by Eva O’Connor – is about proud Irish man Don Murphy who is one of his generation’s greatest actors. He also happens to be a chicken. I have heard it’s hilarious and absolutely well-worth seeing.
February 20 – March 9, The Yurt at The Courtyard of Curiosities, Migration Museum
Mel McGlensey is Motorboat
With five-star reviews calling it “hilarious from start to finish and delightfully bizarre”, Mel McGlensey’s award-winning clown show is one of those gems in a smaller venue. It sounds like it will be very silly and a bit naughty.
March 4 – March 16, The Bally at Gluttony
Hugh Sheridan – Something Big
March 2 and 9, Grand Central at The Arts Theatre
This story is part of a series of articles being produced by InReview with the support of Adelaide Fringe