Hedwig and the Angry Inch is Lightning in a Bottle and a Whole Lotta Denim

After taking Adelaide by storm, Hedwig and the Angry Inch has landed in Melbourne with stilettos firmly planted, and it's every bit as electric, raw, and heart-wrenching as promised.

Starring the absolutely magnetic Seann Miley Moore, this Tony Award-winning rock musical is a genre-defying blend of glam rock, tragicomedy, and self-discovery. Seann’s Hedwig is lightning in a bottle, vulnerable, hilarious, and utterly commanding. Alongside them, Adam Noviello stuns as Yitzhak, Hedwig’s loyal yet simmering partner. (Also, props to Adam for also covering Hedwig, what can’t they do?)

The show isn't just a performance, it’s a full-body experience. A killer live band sets the tone with iconic tracks like “The Origin of Love” and “Sugar Daddy,” while the immersive set design and punchy lighting transport you straight into Hedwig’s gritty, glittering world. There's even a throwback ‘90s trailer referenced mid-show (yes, we got to see it, and it was perfection: think chunky fonts and VHS vibes).

But make no mistake, this isn’t just glam and gags. Hedwig dives deep into themes of identity, body image, gender, ambition, and the messy, beautiful journey of self-acceptance. One moment you're snorting at a wildly inappropriate innuendo (definitely 15+ only, babes), the next you're swallowing back a lump in your throat as Hedwig opens up about loss and transformation. It’s a rollercoaster in platforms, and we loved every second.

The audience participation adds another chaotic layer of fun. Hedwig isn’t shy about calling you out, flirting, or even pulling you up for a dance lesson. (Hot tip: if you don’t like being part of the show, avoid the first five rows.) But even from further back, the connection with the audience is real, this is theatre that breaks the fourth wall, kicks it over, and paints it hot pink.

Costume-wise, expect plenty of 80s-meets-90s fashion fantasy. Yes, there was denim-on-denim. No, we couldn’t escape it. Yes, we kind of loved it and may be adding a fit to cart as we speak. 

Outside the theatre, the vibe was just as fabulous. The red carpet gave us our main character moment, with pro photographers snapping away. Serving drama before the show even started? Iconic.

If you’re after a night of powerhouse vocals, dirty jokes, and a story that hits you right in the heart (and maybe the crotch), Hedwig and the Angry Inch is unmissable. Playing in Melbourne until June 29, don’t miss your chance to see this star-studded, spandex-clad spectacle.

Following Melbourne, Hedwig and the Angry Inch will play at Sydney’s Carriageworks from 17 July. For more information and updates, visit hedwig.com.au