Hamish Annan
Coming soon to Melbourne Fringe

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.)

TOUR
READY ✦
2026
Before We Begin
SaucyPlayfulHornyAwkwardJoyfulTenderHilariousBraveSexyVulnerableConfrontingIntimateCheekyDisarmingSaucyPlayfulHornyAwkwardJoyfulTenderHilariousBraveSexyVulnerableConfrontingIntimateCheekyDisarming
01 The show

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.

Hamish Annan holding a Before We Begin sign
Hamish Annan — Before We Begin
Hamish Annan performing Before We Begin

“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.

Hamish Annan performing Before We Begin

“A joyous, brave & heartfelt exploration around consent.”

Sara Wiseman · Actor (A Place to Call Home, High Country)

“An incredibly powerful, innovative and dynamic way to engage us in such an important discussion.”

Counsellor · Basement Pride Season

“Brilliant. Fascinating to explore — as a voyeur and as a participant.”

Colin Mathura-Jeffree
Credits
Creator & Performer
Hamish Annan
Dramaturg
Dan Goodwin
Lighting Design
Rae Longshaw-Park
Technical Manager
Michael “Skippy” Goodwin
Founding Producer
Tom Webster
Photography
John Rata
Content warning Optional audience participation. Bad language, sexual themes, potential nudity. Discussions of non-consensual intimate imagery. Explicit content, including simulated sex acts.
02 Audience reactions

Don’t just take my word for it.

“One of the most fun I’ve ever had at a show.”

— Tiana · Adelaide Fringe

“Hilarious, naughty, playful, vulnerable. Definitely a must-see!”

— Shannon · Basement Pride Season

“Absolutely fantastic — hilarious, but also so beautiful and important.”

— Michael · Basement Pride Season

“I laughed. I squirmed. I felt all the feels. Get yourself along to see this show!”

— Jessi · Basement Pride Season

“Bold, playful, and also deeply vulnerable. Please get yourself to this one if you can!”

— Megan · Basement Pride Season

“Cheeky, fun, slick, and left me with plenty of food for thought.”

— Matthew · Adelaide Fringe

“Excellent use of audience participation to discuss consent while keeping the audience feeling held.”

— Producer · Basement Pride Season

“Normally I run a mile from audience participation, but Hamish made it feel safe, fun and naughty.”

— Catriona · Adelaide Fringe

“Absolute standout of the season. Feel safe to say yes or no, join in where you want, or just sit back and watch.”

— Marcus · Adelaide Fringe

“Funny, artistic, and important. Don’t miss this show!”

— Luke · Basement Pride Season

“A great blend of comedy and authentic vulnerability.”

— Jack · Adelaide Fringe

“Hilarious and gentle. And you get to date him.”

— Anthony · Adelaide Fringe
03 In the press
The SpinoffHe was filmed during sex without his consent — then he turned it into a theatre show. 95bFM · Stage DirectionLaika Rountree talks Before We Begin.
04 For presenters & programmers

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.

Contemporary · Comedy Interactive solo · 60 min Tour-ready 2026/27
Previous seasons
Auckland Pride — Basement Theatre premiereFeb 2025
Basement Theatre — return seasonMar 2026
Adelaide FringeMar 2026
Melbourne Fringe — coming soonOct 2026

From award-winning New Zealand theatremaker Hamish Annan — creator of Access (★★★★ “Breathtaking”, ArtsHub).

Say yes.
Say maybe.
Say absolutely f*cking not.

How was that for you?