Tess Luminati on Sugar Bits Are: Feminist Trash – 'It throws people off-guard seeing us play such bigoted characters'
This trio of comic performers present an anarchic cabaret of songs, sketches and glorious stupidity
Some might consider feminism and fun to be polar opposites, but Sugar Bits are here to throw that idea straight in the bin with Feminist Trash, a cabaret show validating the feminist experience through ridiculous comedy, absurd sketches and a few songs. ‘Instead of shoving feminism down your throat like a Ted Talk on crack, we explore the different concepts of feminism through being idiot sandwiches,’ laughs Nicola Pohl. ‘Women can be anything, including being gloriously, shamelessly stupid!’
Returning to the Fringe for six shows only after 2025’s award-winning run, Feminist Trash is as outrageous as ever, including songs like ‘The Feminism Left My Body When…’, sketches about Gregorian monks and bacterial vaginosis, and even a pro-life barbershop quartet. ‘It throws people off-guard seeing us play such bigoted characters,’ says Tess Luminati. ‘I play a Pentecostal priest’s daughter who thinks she’s helping. Do we judge her? We’re trying not to, but we do. It highlights all the gaping holes that these people have in their arguments. They, too, are just as silly.’
The trio describe themselves as ‘highly trained thespians’ and it’s not hard to see why. Their close friendship and sense of cheeky fun permeate the show, with each bringing their own unique skills to the mix. ‘Steph [Beza] is a powerhouse singer, Nic has an incredible range of facial expressions and Tess can hold a squat for like seven minutes: it’s insane. Feminist Trash showcases the very best of us as an ensemble.’
Sugar Bits Are: Feminist Trash, Gluttony Rymill Park, 17–22 March, 9.15pm; main picture: NickMickPics