In this episode we’re talking about Before We Begin, a naughty, interactive comedy that mashes up the playful spirit of Taskmaster with the educational heart of Sex Education.

Created by theatremaker and performer Hamish Annan, the live show invites audiences to explore consent and queer intimacy through a series of escalating, real-time invitations.

It’s a vulnerable, hilarious, and safe space to practice “sexy decision-making” with strangers, proving that doing intimacy better is a team effort.

Jack and Joel ask Hamish about creating safe containers for vulnerability, the gaps in queer sex education, and how comedy can be a powerful tool for consent.

1:00 – What “Before We Begin” is and how much is scripted vs improv

6:25 – How to handle consent from audience participants

10:15 – Other creative inspirations

14:16 – Queer relationships and sex education

17:10 – A non-consensual experience

23:50 – The impact of the show on audiences

28:11 – How to handle someone saying no

35:20 – Balancing education and entertainment

38:10 – How the show has evolved and future plans

All chapter timecodes are approximate.

Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell.

If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au

Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org.

Produced by: Jack Crnjanin, Joel Parker