Last year, a $6 million trial program was announced by Health Minister Cameron Dick, meaning more than 2,000 Queensland men would have access to a ground-breaking new drug—PrEP—which drastically reduces the risk of HIV transmission.
One of Brisbane’s rising independent theatre performers, Regan Lynch, is one of these 2,000 men. And his new cabaret, Regan Lynch Does It In Public, offers a cheeky glimpse into life before, and after he began taking the drug.
“PrEP, I think, gives us a chance for a new sexual revolution. Or at least the continuing of an old one. Some of us have never known life without a fear and anxiety of HIV. It’s been driven into us since we were children. Antiretrovirals give us a chance to live without that fear, and I think that’s pretty exciting.”
While airing the details of his sex life may seem risky, for Regan it offers a unique opportunity.
“Sex is hilarious and weird,” he says. “Which is why it makes a great topic for comedy. But more than that, as a queer man I am used to people being pretty obsessed with my sex life. Shows like this are a way for me to reclaim that conversation and throw it back on my own terms.”
Regan has been described by Aussie Theatre as “larger-than-life, high camp, high fidelity and even higher energy,” by AbsoluteTheatre as “exceptionally good,” and by Rip It Up as “a must see for cabaret fans.” In 2015, he was nominated for Best Male Actor in a Leading Role at Queensland’s pre-eminent Matilda Awards.
Regan Lynch presents his first solo work, Regan Lynch Does It In Public, at this year’s Anywhere Festival. It’s a comedy funk and punk cabaret, a burlesque, and a raucous and sometimes alarmingly interactive hour of stupid sex clowning.
Performed with an electric guitar, a ukelele, angel wings, several layers of fetish-wear and a jar of meds, audiences will groove, laugh and be a little aroused as Regan meanders his way through sexual anecdotes and observational songs.
Regan is teaming up with local business, Betty’s Espresso and Bar, to present this work. Well-regarded for its vintage furnishings and comfortable, lush couches—as well as being the home of Naked Ostrich Burlesque—this is the perfect setting to present a sexy musical romp.
Regan Lynch Does It In Public
Thursday 4th May – Sunday 21st May @ 7:00pm
Betty’s Espresso and Bar – 11 Browning St, West End
Tickets can be purchased at anywheretheatre.com
