Name: Pretty Ugly
Start: 2026-09-05T21:00:00+10:00
End: 2026-09-05T22:00:00+10:00
Location: Qtopia Sydney - Queer Hub - The Substation

Hidden gem

A brave and captivating performance.

Nicole, 7 September 2026

Must share

A truly gorgeous excavation of the experiences that, while wholly personal, take us all closer to, and away from feeling beautiful and worthy of love.

Dylan, 6 September 2026

Show details

About this event

Military service in Singapore, Sondheim, and family history intertwine in this cabaret to determine why Theo feels so ugly, and whether it matters that they do?

Theo feels pretty... sometimes.
Theo feels ugly... a lot.

Pretty Ugly is about what happens when Theo decides enough is enough. Blending song and story in an intimate, conversational setting, this solo show tackles those pesky inner-demons we all encounter: the ones that tell us we’re not attractive enough.

Expect an eclectic array of your favourite musical theatre songs reinterpreted (dare we say, queered?!) and plenty of laughs as Theo charts his adolescence in Singapore and his adventures around the world - including as an immigrant in the UK.

Show details

01 - 05 Sep | 1 hour
Venue: Qtopia Sydney - Queer Hub - The Substation

Performance notes

Australian Premiere
Things to note: There is optional audience participation, which you can choose how to engage with.

Venue details & accessibility

Qtopia Sydney - Queer Hub - The Substation

301 Forbes Street, Darlinghurst 2010 (Gadigal Country)
Telephone: (02) 7258 8300

Accessibility

Reviews

Sincere, vulnerable coming-of-age musical revue that captures a young artist finding themselves. Bakchormeeboy

Delightfully brings together the honest reflexivity of a memoir and the energetic pizzazz of musical theatre showtunes and jazz hits. Critics Circle Blog

Smooth and powerful vocals. Varsity

Credits

Playwright/Performer – Theo Chen
Director – Lim Shien Hian

Instagram

REVIEWS

Nicole

Hidden gem

A brave and captivating performance.

7 September 2026

Dylan

Must share

A truly gorgeous excavation of the experiences that, while wholly personal, take us all closer to, and away from feeling beautiful and worthy of love.

6 September 2026

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