The Urbanite team settled into the Brisbane Powerhouse to witness the latest iteration of Queerstories, the acclaimed storytelling event and decade-long brainchild of host Maeve Marsden. Even before the house lights dimmed, the atmosphere was thick with palpable excitement—a low, joyful hum of expectation from participants settling into their seats. The stage provided a stunning backdrop, vividly lit in brilliant blue and fuchsia, which perfectly contrasted with the Powerhouse’s iconic brick interior walls, highlighted by four upward-pointing spotlights.
As the venue plunged into darkness, the anticipation broke into rapturous applause as host Maeve Marsden took the stage. This was clearly the performers’ crowd: a room united by the shared queer narrative, yet celebrating the vast, nuanced tapestry of individual experiences within it.
Marsden proudly announced that the show was marking its incredible 10th year, sharing her thrill at its success and growth and expressing gratitude for everyone who had participated in making it such a powerful event. She then spoke with genuine enthusiasm about each of the night’s five performers: Steph Tisdell, Grace Royle, Necho Brocchi, Bebe Gunn, and Hope One.
One by one, Marsden introduced the storytellers, each of whom shared a deeply personal and moving account of their journey, challenges, and the sources of their support. The audience experienced a powerful emotional rollercoaster—from moments that were belly-laugh hilarious to those that were profoundly confronting. We collectively shared delight in the celebration of personal victories, profound self-discovery, and the sheer inspiration these courageous performers bring to the community.
Marsden, Grace Royle, Bebe Gunn, and Hope One delighted the audience by following their powerful personal stories with unexpected musical numbers, adding a unique theatrical layer to their narratives. Marsden also shared that after 10 years of hosting, she felt it was finally time to add her story to the Queerstories canon, making this 10th-anniversary show particularly special.
Queerstories once again proved itself to be more than a show; it’s a vital, shared experience. Following such a powerful and successful 10th anniversary, The Urbanite would be deeply honoured to return for the 11th year and continue celebrating the courageous and creative hearts of Queerstories.
