Quirky, odd, hilarious and boundary-pushing—PO PO MO CO make you ask ‘Hey, What’s Going On’ while crying with laughter
Presented by: Adelaide Festival Centre
Reviewed: 5 June, 2026
PO PO MO CO (Post Post Modern Comedy) is a theatre troupe specialising in physical comedy, queer theatre and absurdist humour. If you go into one of their shows with this at the forefront of your mind, if you are not easily offended by nudity and if you can leave any preconceived ideas at the door—then strap yourself in, because you are in for one hell of a hilarious ride.
Their Adelaide Cabaret Festival show is simply titled Best Bits and is a collection of many small skits from this talented troupe’s eleven years in comedy. There is no profound message like you get in some cabaret shows, but it’s a brilliant celebration of life through a queer lens and it does at times make you think about the absurdity of the world we live in.
One of their opening routines was to the 1993 hit from 4 Non Blondes, What’s Up?. The line from the chorus “Hey, what’s going on?” is certainly a question you will be constantly asking yourself in this sixty-minute rollercoaster ride. But you can’t help but watch. Their skits, though at times coming across as chaotic, are cleverly crafted and put together. Everyday objects (coats, hats, wigs, tables, chairs, a white board) are all they need to take the audience into their obscure world and let their comedy, stage presence and well-written skits do the work.
It’s hard to say much without giving away what you are in for, but highlights certainly included their unique take on Toto’s Africa, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats (a version of the musical I could certainly get behind!), Cell Block Tango from Chicago, and what happens if you get a upset stomach whilst in an elevator—something that was clearly relatable to many in the audience.
PO PO MO CO are certainly trailblazers when it comes to their unique art form. They bring a performance to this year’s Cabaret Festival that will leave a lasting impression on this reviewer’s mind. They’re quirky, they’re odd, they’re hilarious, they’re boundary-pushing, but they know how to entertain and are well worth adding to your Cabaret Festival viewing. Just leave your expectations and world-views at the door.
Reviewed by Ben Stefanoff
Photo credit: Claudio Raschella
Venue: Space Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre
Season: Until 6 June 2026
Duration: 1 hour
Tickets: $49 – $54 (plus booking fee)
Bookings: https://cabaret.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on/po-po-mo-co-best-bits
