Premier Arts & Entertainment Coverage

Zak Vasiliou: Twinky Twinky Little Star

March 22, 2026

Review by Markus Hamence – Zak Vasiliou: Twinky Twinky Little Star – 2026 Adelaide Fringe. Performance date: Saturday 21 March 2026. Tandanya/Gluttony, Adelaide, South Australia.

Zak is gay. And that has been obvious since his childhood. Somehow, his parents missed every single sign, including:
– belting out ABBA in the middle of Rundle Mall
– asking Santa for the Hilary Duff album at five years old
– single-handedly trying to cancel Crocs (before they got cool)

Zak also has many questions about the gay community. When do you stop labelling yourself a twink? What happens after twinkhood? And what is with all the f***ing animal labels?

Let’s get beyond Twink…

Some shows arrive with polish. Others arrive with personality. Zak Vasiliou’s Twinky Twinky Little Star walks in with both – and then throws glitter over the whole lot for good measure.

This is a sharply tuned hour that plays like a coming-of-age mixtape – equal parts chaotic, heartfelt, and hilariously self-aware. Vasiliou cracks open his life with zero hesitation, diving into childhood memories, identity shifts and the kind of awkward moments most people would happily leave buried. Instead, he drags them centre stage and turns them into punchlines that land hard and often.

“Vasiliou cracks open his life with zero hesitation… ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”
Markus Hamence

At the core of the show is family – and it’s here the storytelling really shines. His parents, Dianne and Andreas, become more than just side characters (and audience members); they’re anchors in the narrative, grounding the chaos with warmth and a touch of beautifully relatable dysfunction. The way Vasiliou threads them through his stories adds depth, giving the comedy a beating heart beneath all the sass and sparkle.

Comedically, he’s quick on his feet and fearless in delivery. There’s a rhythm to the way he builds a joke – setting it up with almost innocent charm before flipping it into something cheeky, bold and just a little bit outrageous. The audience leans in, and he knows exactly how to keep them there. It’s that confidence – never forced, always present – that drives the entire hour.

What gives Twinky Twinky Little Star its edge is how it blends formats. It’s not just stand-up; it’s storytelling layered with visual moments that feel like flipping through someone’s personal archive. Photos and memories become part of the performance, pulling the audience deeper into his world. It’s intimate without ever losing momentum.

“A star is born – and he’s shining bright, loud and completely on his own terms…”
Markus Hamence

And then there’s the tone – playful, unapologetic, and just the right amount of chaotic. Vasiliou doesn’t try to smooth out the rough edges of his experiences. He leans into them, celebrates them, and invites the audience to do the same. The result is something that feels fresh, current, and genuinely connected to its crowd. Oh, and ‘Let It Go’ sung in Greek… Μπράβο (Bravo!)

Wrap-up: Twinky Twinky Little Star is bold, funny, and full of heart – a story about growing up, owning who you are and finding humour in every beautifully messy step along the way. Zak Vasiliou delivers a Fringe set that shines bright, with just enough bite to keep it unforgettable.

A star is born – and he’s shining bright, loud and completely on his own terms.