Adore Handel, the riotous 18th-century time-travelling pansexual songbird, is set to make a triumphant return to Perth's Fringe World festival in 2026. Following a dream debut in 2025, the character created and performed by Melbourne-based baritone Luke Belle will grace the stage with two brand-new shows that promise to captivate audiences once again.
A Sequel That Dives Deeper
The 2025 production, Adore Handel's Little Black Book, proved to be a smash hit with Perth audiences. Its unique blend of wit, vulnerability, and unapologetic queerness resonated deeply, establishing a strong connection and leaving fans eager for more. This overwhelming response has paved the way for Cautionary Tales, the highly anticipated sequel set for 2026.
Luke Belle reflects on the success of the first show, noting it beautifully established Adore's world and confirmed a genuine appetite for the character and their stories. "Cautionary Tales is bigger and bolder — a deeper dive into the world of Adore Handel and who they really are," Belle explains, hinting at a more profound exploration of the beloved songbird's persona.
An Unhinged Variety Cousin
In a delightful expansion of the Adore Handel universe, Belle is also introducing a second, wildly different show titled Chookas. This production sits joyfully adjacent to the main narrative, offering what Belle describes as "the unhinged variety cousin rather than a narrative chapter."
The show features Adore Handel performing alongside fellow artists Penelope Splendour and Mae B. Wilde in a concept Belle calls "pure poultry in motion." The aim was to strip things back to basics: "three performers, a bold premise, and full permission to be messy," says Belle.
Audiences can expect a fast-paced, feather-ruffling cabaret experience. The performance will blend elements of burlesque, live vocals, and bold theatrical imagery with absurd props like eggs and beaks. Belle promises a show that is "camp, primal, ridiculous and strangely elegant — barnyard meets boudoir."
Show Details and Venue
Both productions will be staged at The Parlour within The Pleasure Garden. Adore Handel's Cautionary Tales will run from February 4th to February 15th, with performances at 6pm each evening. The absurd cabaret Chookas will have a shorter season, playing from February 11th to February 15th at 9pm.
This double offering from Luke Belle ensures that Fringe World 2026 will feature both a narrative-driven sequel for devoted fans and a fresh, chaotic variety show for those seeking glorious nonsense. Tickets for both productions are available through the official Fringe World website.
