In episode 4 of Unfashionably Late, hosts Maddie and Rob dive into the exciting worlds of pop music and musical theatre, highlighting major upcoming releases and productions for 2026. ​

From BTS’s highly anticipated album and world tour to Lana Del Rey’s country album and Robin’s return with Existential, the duo explores how pop music is evolving and thriving. ​

They also discuss musical theatre highlights, including Putting It Together in Sydney, Beetlejuice in Brisbane, and the reimagined Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway. With updates on Charlie XCX, Madonna, Hilary Duff, and Agnes, plus a look at Sydney Theatre Company’s Whispering Jack, this episode is packed with insights into the year’s most exciting upcoming cultural moments.

Artists and productions that get a call out include:

Mardi Gras Party, Sydney Mardi Gras, Kaftana Pool Party, Sissy Ball, Caroline O’Connor, Michael Cormick, Stephen Sondheim, Kylie Minogue, Hilary Duff, Handa - Opera On the Harbour, Anastasia, Georgina Hopson, Nancy Hayes, Rhonda Burchmore, BeetleJuice Musical - Brisbane, QPAC, Andy Karl, Groundhog Day, Eddie Perfect, SIX the Musical, Sydney Theatre Company - John Farnham, whispering Jack, Into the Woods - Australian Production, Phillip Quast, Sharon Millerchip, Muriels Wedding , Kate Miller-Heideke, Hayes Theatre , Head Over Heels, GOGO’s Musical, Belinda Carlisle, Guttenberg The Musical, Andrew Rannels, Josh Gad, Ryan Gonzales, Paul Capsis , Addams Family The Musical, How to succeed in business with really trying, New Theatre, Mardi Gras, Sydney Fringe, Perfect Arrangement, Cats the jellicle ball, Jamie Lloyd, Sunset Boulevard, Nicole Scherzinger, Jonathan Groff, The Rocky Horror Show, Studio 54, Vanessa Williams, Michelle Williams, Neil Patrick Harris, 54Below, Jeremy Jordan, Countess Luanne, Titanique, Deborah Cox, Jim Parsons, Frankie Grande, Beaches, Miyam Bialik, Jessica Vosk, Lost Boys, Shoshana Bean, Schmigadoon, Cecilly Strong, Sunday In the park with George. Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Starlight Express, Molly Poppinzz, Downunder vs the world, Rhys Nicholson, Lazy Susan, Michelle Visage, RuPaul, Joey Fatone, AJ McClean, Bare Naked Ladies, Universal Orlando Resort, BeBe Rexha, Lana Del Ray, BTS, Charlie XCX, Agnes, Wuthering Heights, Robyn, Madonna, Bar Kylie, Loveboat, DJ Dan Murphy, DJ Argonaught, Mardi Gras parade 2026. AND MORE!

We’re a little late (of course) — but very on brand. In this episode of Unfashionably Late,

Rob and Maddy finally wrap up 2025 with their combined Top 5 favourites of the year, covering everything camp, queer, theatrical, chaotic, and culture-defining.

No algorithms, no “shoulds”, just the moments, people, shows, and trends that genuinely stuck with us.

From Sydney’s Titanique phenomenon and why audiences still show up when theatre gets it right, to Kylie Minogue’s Tension tour and Gaga’s Mayhem Ball sharing the crown for concert of the year. Maddy celebrates Reuben Kaye as Queer Aussie Comedian of the Year, Jonathan Bailey’s total domination of stage, screen, and sex appeal, and the unstoppable rise of ‪@DJDanMurphy‬ reality TV chaos, and Club Broadway energy.

Rob's encounter with Bernadette Peters at ‪@Melt_Fest‬ , a banner year for queer comedy across Australia and internationally, and the long-overdue mainstream embrace of queer creators on YouTube, from theatre kids and pop culture obsessives to drag performers building audiences well beyond Drag Race.

We also dive into queer artists taking over Broadway, drag performers receiving top billing, and why that visibility actually matters.

The episode rounds out with standout visual media of the year, a heartfelt salute to Andrew McFarlane’s 25 years on Play School, and a moment to honour the icons we lost in 2025, resting in power while acknowledging the legends still holding us together.

Expect overlap, disagreements, hot takes, and a whole lot of love for queer culture doing what it does best: surviving, thriving, and stealing the spotlight.

Join Rob and Maddie as they dive into the festive spirit with a global twist! From the magical Christmas vibes of New York City to the dazzling illuminations of Japan and the sunny celebrations in Australia, this episode is packed with holiday cheer, musical theatre highlights, and LGBTQ+ Christmas experiences. ✨

What’s Inside: 🎶 Top 5 New York Christmas Experiences – Ice skating at Rockefeller Plaza, Bryant Park Christmas Village, Radio City Rockettes, Dyker Heights Lights, and Mariah Carey’s Christmas Spectacular! 🎄 Magical Japanese Christmas traditions – KFC dinners, stunning illuminations, and J-Pop concerts on every corner!

🌈 LGBTQ+ Christmas vibes – Matt Rogers’ Christmas album and tour, Eagle Bar in Japan, and RuPaul’s "The Bitch Who Stole Christmas."

🎤 Musical Theatre Highlights – Broadway tips, Back to the Future review, and the Royal Variety Performance featuring Les Misérables, Kinky Boots, and Paddington the Musical!

🎆 Sydney’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks – The best fireworks in the world with performances by Melanie C, Casey Donovan, and more!