MELBOURNE, VIC. — After years spent in the trenches of children’s birthday parties, these sock-puppeteering harlots demanded a kinder audience.
Lifelong friends since 2023 and longtime creative collaborators, Ava and Peggie have done it all. Balloon animals, face painting, close-quarters sleight of hand, far-quarters sleight of hand, you name it.
They’ve found glitter in places you can hardly imagine. But the heads that wear magician hats are heavy, and these witches needed a change. It was dressed as Anna and Elsa for the Wellington City Tākina Convention Centre Disney Princess Ball that they realised: they’ve gotta book some better gigs.
And by god did they. Hotsy-Totsy premiered at the 2026 New Zealand Fringe Festival to rave reviews and full houses. Check them out before they jet to San Diego and get rich selling tinsel or something weird like that.
This is a variety show for people who like seeing a variety of skills and talents if the variety of skills and talents you like are just Ava and Peggie.
‘Hotsy-Totsy’ is brought to you by a collection of Pōneke-based award-winning artists. Including performers Ava O’Brien and Peggie Barnes, directors Katie Hill and Rachel McLean, and producer Tom Smith of Believable Arts Management.
VENUE: The Motley Wherehaus, The Salon, 432 Queen St, Melbourne.
DATES: Monday, October 12 to Sunday, October 18, 2026.
TICKETS:
Full $25.99
Concession $20.99
Hump Day Discount $19.49
Fringe Member Discount $19.49
Extra Applause $35.00
Black Tix $10.00
Group 6+ $20.00
A single $5.50 transaction fee applies to your booking.
Babes in Arms allowed.
EVENT WARNING: Restricted to 18+. Contains Haze, High Audience Participation, Moderate coarse language and staged violence.
