Rob Carlton had an absolutely massive 2024, starring in hit Netflix show Boy Swallows Universe. 2025 is set to be huge too, with Carlton appearing in the new season of one of the most hyped series of the past couple of years, The White Lotus.
At last year’s Fringe, Carlton earned five stars across the board for his hit show Willing Participant, which Brian Godfrey labeled “storytelling at its most delightfulness told by a consummate performer.” Iconic Australian comedian Wil Anderson described the show as “Sublime! Heartwarming, funny and poetic.” Consequently, Willing Participant will be making a triumphant return at the 2025 Fringe alongside the Fringe debut, Bravewords Live.
Willing Participant was born from the intimate magic of Bravewords Live, hosted monthly in Gosford on the Central Coast of NSW by husband and wife duo Rob Carlton and author Adrienne Ferreira. This year, Carlton brings both hit shows to the Fringe. Get ready for an electrifying round of boundary-pushing brilliance!
Bravewords Live gathers creatives from all walks of life, writers, actors, poets, standup comics, and artists, and invites them to read personal, heartfelt stories in front of a live audience. It’s not about polished performances but raw, real, and resonant storytelling, the kind you’d share over a drink with your closest friend. The tales are often hilarious, sometimes hair-raising, and always deeply human.
Over its two years, Bravewords Live has sold out every session, sharing 108 unique stories with an ever-growing, connected community. February 2025 will mark another milestone with the launch of the Bravewords Podcast, featuring the most memorable stories from the event’s history.
The debut of Bravewords Live at the Adelaide Fringe, as a special storytelling showcase, features guest appearances from beloved performers including Luke Heggie, who promises a story that’s equal parts funny, beautiful, and moving.
Carlton says, “Having hosted Bravewords Live for two years now, we’ve found our community to be so much more connected and understanding of one another, as we know so much more about our inner lives; our struggles and our joys, our challenges and triumphs. To sit in a room with hundreds of other people, all listening intently to one person who’s taken the time to write their story, and has the bravery to share it, is a beautiful experience, as old as time.”
Here’s a little sneak peek of what you can expect:
Luke Heggie shares a story of adventure and travel, but is he running away from a greater sadness? A story about a young boy who loses his dad too early in life.
Adrienne Ferreira believes in honesty, but when her young son’s innocent curiosity veers towards becoming awkwardly adult-themed, how honest do you have to be?
Rob shares a story of a hitchhiking road trip gone wrong. Low level criminals, sketchy behaviour and one very scary lady.
Whether it’s an hour of soulful storytelling from Bravewords Live or the smash-hit theatricality of Willing Participant, these two events are not to be missed at Fringe 2025. Prepare to laugh, cry, and experience storytelling magic that will stay with you long after the curtain falls.
Bravewords Live
Venue: Le Cascadeur at The Garden of Unearthly Delights
Season: 7th-10th March; 14th-16th March
Duration: 60 mins
Tickets: $30.00 to $38.00
Bookings: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/bravewords-live-af2025
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