At Brisbane’s Twelfth Night Theatre, MARVELous: A Risqué Parody doesn’t just flirt with pop culture—it dives in headfirst and revels in it. Created by and starring Samwise Holmes, this riotous production thrives on references that hit squarely in the millennial sweet spot, layering superhero satire with musical theatre, viral internet moments, and unapologetic chaos.
The show’s comedic peak is its relentless stream of recognisable references, each landing with the kind of giddy impact that has the audience collectively losing their minds. When the Tom Holland-inspired Spider-Man (Logan Grant) launches into the iconic Lip Sync Battle umbrella rain dance, the crowd absolutely lost their minds. It’s a moment of pure, joyous absurdity that perfectly captures the show’s tone.
Equally outrageous is the Dirty Dancing-inspired routine, complete with the infamous lift—except here, modesty is preserved only by strategically placed shields. It’s a hilarious nod to the fan-fiction-fuelled “bromance” between Bucky Barnes (Logan Grant) and Steve Rogers (Trent Owers), leaning fully into the joke.
Musical theatre lovers are also well fed. Natasha O’Hehir as Loki in the Defying Gravity-inspired moment from Wicked cleverly references the character’s arc on Disney+, finishing suspended mid-air in a perfectly executed gag. Meanwhile, a trapeze duet channeling the chemistry of Zendaya and Tom Holland sees Spider-Man counterparts soaring while singing Rewrite the Stars from The Greatest Showman—a genuinely stunning sequence before the show cheekily undercuts it.
Yes—the iconic pointing Spider-Man meme makes an appearance, recreated to perfection and earning one of the biggest laughs of the night. Add in a soundtrack of millennial pop bangers, and the entire show feels like a chaotic, nostalgic fever dream in the best way.
What truly elevates the production is its cast, each bringing a distinct flavour to their characters. As Deadpool, Samwise Holmes is the unhinged, quick-witted anchor of the show, commanding the stage with charisma and razor-sharp comedic timing.
Logan Grant is a standout physical performer, juggling Spider-Man, Bucky and Hawkeye with athletic precision and cheeky charm. Trent Owers brings a confident, all-American flair to Captain America, balancing strength with comedic awareness.
Logan Grant’s Fat Thor (and Spider-Man moments) lean into both physical comedy and crowd-pleasing charisma. Kaylee Kingi commands attention as the Winter Soldier with fierce physicality and stage dominance. Lulani Rawson brings her own dynamic energy to Iron Woman, offering sharp, stylised performances across different iterations.
Sarah Jane Kelly is a striking Lady Thor, combining strength and aerial prowess. Megan Wonfor delivers a sleek and commanding Black Widow, blending acrobatics with elegance of Ballet.
MARVELous: A Risqué Parody is not subtle—but that’s entirely the point. It’s bold, self-aware, and packed with references that reward audiences who are in on the joke. For those ready to embrace the absurd, it’s a wildly entertaining ride that turns fandom into full-blown theatrical spectacle.
TICKETS
Now Playing at the Twelfth Night Theatre, Brisbane Until 4 April
All images supplied.
The Fame Reporter 