As a drag artist, transgender man, and high school teacher, Florian Wild is the very ‘monster’ that many people still seem to fear. In this witty, heartfelt cabaret, Florian reveals the scary monster is often no more than a coat hanging on the door, and nothing to be afraid of.

Accompanied by Oliver Ayres on keys, MONSTER guides the audience through a series of spooky pop and alternative hits, showcasing powerful vocals and some seriously enviable low notes. Their sparkling stage presence becomes more and more apparent as the show progresses: their rendition of Blue Kid’s The Dismemberment Song, in particular, will convince anyone to sacrifice themselves to The Cult of Florian Wild. MONSTER is full of clever one-liners and stories, covering everything from the ‘real agenda’ Florian has for your children (basic literacy and numeracy) to Veggie Tales (incredibly gay). 

There’s a lot to pack in, so the show does feel a little fragmented and rushed at some points; perhaps leaning even further into the kitschy old horror theme would tie things together more thematically.  

But most importantly, Florian Wild absolutely radiates queer joy. Beneath the showmanship, glamour, and bloody tampon costume, the emotional core of MONSTER truly shines.