Before
We Begin
Taskmaster meets Sex Education.
A naughty, interactive comedy about consent and queer intimacy. Probably the funniest show about consent you’ll see. (Not a lot of competition.)
READY ✦
2026
Worth his weight in comedy gold, leaving the audience in stitches.
Enlightening and hilarious… spicy and risqué… all within a safe environment… It breaks the rules and smashes stereotypes, leaving you smiling and satisfied.”
Look, I’m not great at intimacy. Most of us aren’t, really.
My school sex ed: hormones, hair, “don’t get pregnant.” Healthy relationships — what are those?! Queer ones — not at this school!
So I made a show about doing it better. Together. In real time.
A live date. A conversation. Sexy decision-making with strangers.
A series of escalating invitations.
I ask for permission.
I wait until you’re ready.
I hope you like it.
We’ll see how far we go…
I will need your help with this.
Will I flirt with you? Probably.
Will you flirt back? If you want.
Will there be nudity? Strong maybe.
Will there be butt stuff? Every night, baby.
Will we dance in the moonlight? I hope so.
Will we fall in love? Omg, maybe.
“I hate interactive shows.”
I get it — you see “interactive theatre” and your sphincter clenches. Don’t worry. Auckland Pride and Adelaide Fringe audiences called it some of the safest interactive theatre they’ve experienced.
“[Told] with a great deal of honesty. With gentleness. With sensitivity.”
“A roomful of strangers gets very good at telling one another where the boundary is.”
“A joyous, brave & heartfelt exploration around consent.”
“An incredibly powerful, innovative and dynamic way to engage us in such an important discussion.”
“Brilliant. Fascinating to explore — as a voyeur and as a participant.”
Sweet, sexy, silly and very funny.
Consent isn’t simply the subject here. It is the engine. The room shifts around each yes and no: laughter, awkwardness, curiosity, the delicious little charge of watching somebody decide whether they’re actually going to follow the invitation through.
It is a deceptively clever little show: generous, mischievous and rather lovely.”
Don’t just take my word for it.
“One of the most fun I’ve ever had at a show.”
“Hilarious, naughty, playful, vulnerable. Definitely a must-see!”
“Absolutely fantastic — hilarious, but also so beautiful and important.”
“I laughed. I squirmed. I felt all the feels. Get yourself along to see this show!”
“Bold, playful, and also deeply vulnerable. Please get yourself to this one if you can!”
“Cheeky, fun, slick, and left me with plenty of food for thought.”
“Excellent use of audience participation to discuss consent while keeping the audience feeling held.”
“Normally I run a mile from audience participation, but Hamish made it feel safe, fun and naughty.”
“Absolute standout of the season. Feel safe to say yes or no, join in where you want, or just sit back and watch.”
“Funny, artistic, and important. Don’t miss this show!”
“A great blend of comedy and authentic vulnerability.”
“Hilarious and gentle. And you get to date him.”
Photos · John Rata
Before We Begin was a fascinating blend of performance art and theatre, crafted for the modern audience.
Annan has crafted a high concept show about the nature of consent in both an artistic context and the real world. It’s a real thinker of a show, but it’s also accessible, leading an audience down a thoughtful and important path of inquiry.”
Bring us to your festival.
A low-risk, tour-ready solo with a touring company of two. Strong fit for Pride festivals and queer programming. Made for the millennial who got rubbish sex ed at school. Suits intimate and mid-size audiences. Available for local and international seasons.
From award-winning New Zealand theatremaker Hamish Annan — creator of Access (★★★★ “Breathtaking”, ArtsHub).
Say maybe.
Say absolutely f*cking not.
How was that for you?