Finding Glitter in the Storm

Premiere of a moving piece from a unique Queer voice

Josh Moyes, a queer kid growing up in Byron, just wanted a doll for Christmas, but 'Santa' left a bong. Finding Glitter in the Storm is a darkly comic queer coming-of-age story.

After moving from Geelong (Djilang) to the outskirts of Byron Bay (Bundjalung Nation), where the family bought a pirate ship, they were quickly crowned the town pirates – a perfect analogy for their beautiful dysfunction. Josh – queer, tender, and a rainbow rebel from a crew of renegade castaways – discovered how to find the sparkle looking from the shore at a sea of stoners and wave-chasers.

Josh playfully and respectfully unpacks contradictions in the Byron Bay laid-back lifestyle. The show offers a unique voice about the unexpected beauty in growing up different. Through heart, humour, and unfiltered honesty, this skilful storytelling will leave you grinning and a little braver.

About the Artist

Written and performed by Josh Moyes (writer, actor). A neurodivergent artist, Josh began studying performance at WAAPA before completing a Bachelor of Creative Writing at Curtin University. He trained in Los Angeles with acclaimed acting coach Eric Morris, performed playback theatre at festivals around Australia, and his storytelling was praised at The Moth by comedian the late Cal Wilson as “superb – great story.”

With years in the community and humanities sectors, Josh brings lived experience and lyrical wit to the stage. Finding Glitter in the Storm marks the emergence of a distinctive new voice in Australian theatre – funny, fierce, and deeply human. Accompanied by an atmospheric musical instrument guest, this Midsumma premiere celebrates the courage it takes to keep dancing in the downpour – a love letter to the misfits and late bloomers, and a call to and from the inner artist in us all who never quite fit the script. A spectacle, it proves that glitter can always be found in the storm.

Directed by Lachlan Plain