The Pole Shebang: Andrea James Lui Debuts in Australia

Asian-Canadian/Australian pole dancer, Andrea James Lui, kicks off 2026 with the Australian premiere of solo storytelling pole dancing show: The Pole Shebang.

After premiering at London Fringe Festival in 2024, followed by sold out shows at Hamilton & Vancouver Fringe Festivals in 2025, The Pole Shebang is set to premiere in Australia with a three-city tour, including MIDSUMMA Festival, Fringe World, and Adelaide Fringe in 2026.

Tickets are on sale now:you know what to do

Melbourne

Perth
Adelaide

THE POLE SHEBANGS

One Person. One Pole. One Hour. Take a behind the scenes detour on this journey of a tomboy pole dancer, as she is unexpectedly called up to the biggest stage in the country – a stage full of the most iconic, glamorous, and glittering pole dancers in the land!

The Pole Shebang is a coming of middle age story by a neurodivergent gender rebellious Asian-Canadian/Australian navigating the glitzy shadows of the pole dance world, where she’s always just a little bit late and a little bit left of centre stage.

CENTRAL THEMES

● The contrast between experiences & expectations of women vs. men
● The non-binary dilemma of participating in a gender-based dance competition
● Managing procrastination, stress responses, and identity crisis
● The neurodivergent struggle to find community & belonging
● Striving to meet looming deadlines and the approval of Asian parents

Q MAGAZINE MEDIA-The Pole Shebang: Andrea James Lui Debuts in Australia-shebang — brett | Supporting our community since 2004 Q MAGAZINE MEDIA The Pole Shebang Andrea James Lui Debuts in Australia shebang

MIDSUMMA Festival The MC Showroom 50 Clifton Street
Jan 18-25 Tue Thu Fri Sat – 8pm Sun – 6pm
Fringe World The Actors’ Hub
129 Kensington Street
Jan 30-Feb 7 Thu Fri Sat Sun Various times
Adelaide Fringe Festival Fool’s Paradise Victoria Square
Feb 18-Feb 22
Feb 25-Mar 1 Wed-Sun – 6:50pm

Andrea James Lui (she/they) is the creator & performer of The Pole Shebang, a solo storytelling pole dancing show about her life as a pole dancer.

Originally from Toronto, she earned an Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Ensemble & Theatre Production from York University, as well as a Performing Arts College Diploma from Randolph College for the Performing Arts.

AJL is a theatrical trailblazer in the Australian pole community. Best known for her energetic & versatile style – using her background in martial arts, stage combat, and sketch comedy to bring a massive range of characters to the stage, from hilarious to heartwarming, from heartache to hope!

After over a decade of teaching, performing, and competing all across Australia, including at Sydney Opera House, Adelaide Fringe Festival, and Miss Pole Dance Australia, Andrea James Lui is ecstatic to return to her theatre roots in this celebratory mashup of her passions!

Q Magazine: supporting our community since 2004

brett Publisher | Editor | Administrator

Brett Hayhoe is an Australian author, media professional, and publisher with decades of experience steering community-focused narratives.

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