NOTQ CAST 2026
Aeyla Duncan
Aeyla Samantha Duncan is a transgender woman who has always had a passion for dance. As a returning Night of the Queer alumni, Aeyla has tremendous respect for the inclusive environment created by Luck and Schooney productions. This has always been a space where queer artists from every creed work together to bring a dazzling showcase to life, each contributing their unique sparkle to the collective light. This year is even more exciting as this year’s Night of the Queer celebrates its new home in Victors Cabaret.
Aeyla is looking forward to celebrating Night of the Queer and the opening of Victors Cabaret with you and cannot wait to see you at the show!
Aeyla Duncan
Brooke Candy
Brooke is a 22 year old performer originally from Wellington, NZ. She has a strong foundation in Jazz, Ballet and Contemporary, and while training full time found a passion for Commercial Heels and HipHop Styles.
She has appeared in numerous Fringe Festival productions, cheered for international sports teams, and performed as a dancer in music videos and films.
Brooke is excited to be joining the cast of Night Of The Queer, bringing her passion for performance to a new and empowering space. She can't wait to share the stage with such a talented cast and celebrate creativity, expression and community.
Brooke Candy
Colette Winks
Colette Winks is a 33-year-old performer, wife, and proud mum of three boys. Originally from London, England, she immigrated to New Zealand 10 years ago and has continued to pursue her passion for performing.
With a background spanning stage, television, film, and commercial work, Colette has appeared in a variety of productions, including West End performances, Strictly productions, Nike commercials, television shows, films, and extra work.
Colette joined the cast of Night of the Queer (NOTQ) in 2019 and quickly became a valued member of the production. After taking a three-year break to focus on raising her young family, she is thrilled to be back doing what she loves most.
Now returning to the stage, Colette can't wait to bring the energy, glamour, and entertainment to Victor's Cabaret Bar for another unforgettable season of Night of the Queer.
Colette Winks
Daniel Morris Seymour
Originally from the UK, Daniel began performing at age eight, winning numerous Local and National titles before completing three years of professional dance college. Their global career highlights include winning the 2012 World Championships in Italy, performing as Lead Dancer for the famous Redcoats in Bognor Regis, and touring with Viva Productions alongside Lloyd Wade.
On stage, Daniel recently performed in the ensemble of Priscilla Queen of the Desert at The Civic (2025) and as a dancer in Wicked (2023). Offstage, they currently serve as the President of the NSMT committee and recently worked as the costume consultant for Priscilla Queen of the Desert JR for Marist and St Peter’s.
This is the first time Daniel is performing in NOTQ and is very much looking forward to it.
Daniel Morris Seymour
David-Apostle Tuitama
When David Tuitama was 8 years old, he accidentally fell in love with performing when his church put on a dance performance. He camped it up so hard that everyone laughed and pulled faces. But all he saw were smiles, and all he felt was how good it felt to move. What could have been something shameful instead became the beginning of a future where all this boy wanted to do was dance and sing.
Sixteen years later, David Tuitama is a freelance artist with a passion for movement and performance. He draws inspiration from his Pacific roots and his experiences working within diverse communities. As a performer, David finds joy in using his body and voice to tell stories and connect.
David has diverse performance experience, having worked professionally as a contemporary dancer, musical theatre performer, touring vocalist, and entertainer.
This is David’s first time being in a space where he can openly express his queerness and celebrate the community that has shaped him as a growing adult. He would like to thank Luck & Schooney for creating a space where queer creatives can feel safe and seen, and he hopes you enjoy Night of the Queer so very, very much.
David Tuitama
Ellie Spurlock
Ellie (they/them) is a multidisciplinary creative currently working in Tāmaki Makaurau and couldn’t be more excited to join this year’s cast of Luck and Schooney’s Night of the Queer! They grew up on and around the stage but found their essence as a performer through dancing in 8-inch heels around the clubs in Aotearoa and so-called Australia. From community theatre and Shakespeare to Sircut Serve Sundays: they have been grateful to experience the wacky and wonderful breadth of the stage. Recent credits include Freestyle Flight (musicality award), Honeypot’s Club Tease and UPROAR, Sapphic Sound’s Sapphic Sirens, and Unshackled Queer Asian Sex Worker Collective (Naarm).
Ellie Spurlock
Elliette Dean
Elliette (Ell) is a proud lesbian and disabled performer from Tāmaki Makaurau. She is trained in a versatile range of dance styles and has received private vocal training from a variety of tutors, leading to opportunities to perform and choreograph across Auckland's theatre scene.
Her notable theatre credits include Wicked (NSMT, 2023), Mary Poppins (G&T, 2020), and Night of the Queer (2021, 2024). Elliette has performed as a burlesque artist at Ginger’s Pop-Ups, Sapphic Sounds, and queer events across the country, and as both a burlesque artist and live singer at Codeword Cabaret.
She has performed at events with some of the city's leading entertainment companies, and was a member of the official dance team for the BNZ Breakers, the Breaker Girls, for the 2024-25 season. In 2025, Elliette made her directorial debut as co-director of Misunderstood, a successful cabaret produced for an inclusive theatre company.
As a performer with additional access needs, Elliette is deeply grateful to Luck & Schooney for their commitment to making this opportunity accessible for her once again.
Outside of performing, Elliette holds a Bachelor of Health Science in Occupational Therapy and currently works part-time as a support worker.
Elliette Dean
Lady Armilade
Lady Armilade is a vibrant and dynamic drag performer known for high-energy routines, striking visuals, and an infectious stage presence. With over 20 years of dance experience, she blends technical precision with theatrical storytelling to create performances that are polished, playful, and full of personality.
Her style moves effortlessly between fierce choreography, camp humour, and genuine audience connection, captivating crowds from the moment she steps on stage. Lady Armilade celebrates individuality and unapologetic self-expression, delivering performances that are both empowering and entertaining.
She is proud to be in her third year performing in Night of the Queer, continuing to showcase her artistry while celebrating diversity, community, and queer excellence.
A standout highlight of her performance journey was being part of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical at The Civic, an iconic production that reflects her deep connection to drag, theatre, and storytelling. This experience remains a defining moment in her career.
Whether serving glamour, comedy, or high-impact dance, Lady Armilade is a true entertainer, bringing confidence, charisma, and a touch of fabulous chaos to every stage she graces.
Lady Armilade
Margarita Blades
Margarita Blades is a drag artist based in Tāmaki Makaurau. As a performer, Margarita has made a name for themself as an innovator in the field of alternative drag. Through their dynamic and expressive performances, they have captivated audiences and challenged traditional notions of what drag can be.
In addition to their work as a performer, Margarita is also an accomplished makeup artist and show producer. Their passion for the arts is evident in everything that they do, they’ve used their talents to create spaces for alternative drag and keep creativity alive in their field.
Their commitment to pushing boundaries and breaking down barriers has made them a beloved and respected figure in the drag community.
Offstage, Margarita is known for their warm and generous spirit, and their commitment to using their platform to make a positive impact in the world. Whether they’re performing, painting, or producing shows, Margarita brings their unique perspective and boundless creativity to everything that they do, inspiring others to do the same.
Margarita Blades
Megan Muir
Megan is a 22 year old dancer from Dunedin, now based in Auckland, New Zealand (she/her). Dance has been her focus and her choice, she's proudly earned her NZ Diploma in Dance and Bachelor of Creativity through Whitireia. Her training has taken her across the country and overseas, from stage shows and sport matches to music videos and film work. Each experience has deepened her passion for performing. Megan is driven by the things that make dance possible, connection, expression, and passion. Which is why she's so excited to be a part of Night Of The Queer and to help bring this show to audiences. Above all, Megan is about positivity, unity, and shared success. She's ready to give everything and more at Night Of The Queer.
Megan Muir
Mel Duff
Mel (she/her) is a contemporary performing artist, currently working across the dance and circus worlds in Tāmaki Makaurau. She spent many years training in a dance studio, but found her freedom and sharpened her shoes dancing in the city’s clubs. Mel also actively teaches in the pole and circus communities, sharing her passion for movement, creativity and expression.
Mel graduated from Unitec’s Bachelors of Performing and Screen Arts (majoring in Contemporary Dance) in 2020, and then went on to study with Dust Palace’s Pre-Professional program in 2022, and their Teacher Training program in 2023. Highlights of Mel’s performing works include; ‘To Cut a Mermaids Tongue’ (2020) choreographed by Kyah Dove for Experimental Dance Week, ‘Night of the Queer’ (2021) as a speciality act performer (Pole) with Luck and Schooney, and ‘Dear Body’ (2024).
Beyond performing Mel also spends a lot of her time fascinated by visual arts, enjoys taking photos, and admiring the female form.
Melissa Duff
Nomi Cohen
Since graduating from the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) and The Actors’ Program, Nomi has built a vibrant career as a performer, creator, cabaret artist, and MC.
A familiar face on stages across New Zealand and Australia, her musical theatre credits include Chicago, Kinky Boots, Jersey Boys, RENT, Legally Blonde, Jesus Christ Superstar, Chess, Catch Me If You Can, We Will Rock You, Chicago (again) and Shrek: The Musical. Most recently, she returns to Auckland after touring the country with the New Zealand premiere of & Juliet. She is also set to headline ATC's Cabaret as Sally Bowles later this year.
Alongside her theatre and screen work, Nomi is a sought-after cabaret performer and host. She is the creator and MC of the smash-hit live performance pub quiz What The Quiz Is This?!, now in its sixth year and celebrated for sold-out seasons at the Right Royal Cabaret Festival in Taranaki, as well as acclaimed runs in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
Nomi has become a popular MC for live events, festivals, and cabaret productions across Aotearoa and is also a member of the beloved vintage vocal trio The Madeleines, delighting audiences with close harmonies, timeless classics, and retro glamour. She is excited to be joining the cast for Night Of The Queer and can't wait to play with you all.
Nomi Cohen
Thea Rockel
Thea’s love for performing started when she attended her first jazz class at four years old. Since she has not stopped dancing and last year completed full time performing arts school majoring in dance at The Conservatory. Thea has worked as a professional dancer for the NBL as a Breaker Girl cheerleader for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 seasons. Earlier this year she took the stage at the last Splore festival as a part of the cabaret show. She has worked for New Zealand entertainment companies such as Finesse, Diamond, Momentum Productions and DKCM. In her week Thea enjoys teaching dance and instilling confidence in people of all ages, abilities and walks of life. She loves sharing stories through dance and movement. Thea cannot wait to share with you her love for Night Of The Queer as it returns for the 2026 season!
Thea Rockel
Trenton Wayne
Trenton Wayne is an American dancer, model, actor, and vocalist. He made his first television debut at the age of 21 playing small roles on Freeform’s Grown-ish and Disney’s Coop & Cami Ask the World, then later appeared in holiday film A Country Christmas Harmony as a dancer in 2022. Other major projects include Tyra Banks’ ModelLand, Dhar Mann Studios, Babylon, Send Help, Immortality, and House Party.
Trenton Wayne
Zoe Kelly
Zoe started training in circus and a wide range of dance styles as a child and has continued to follow her passions well into adulthood. She is performing regularly on stages in NZ, Aus and across the Pacific Islands onboard Carnival Cruise Lines.
Her main disciplines are Pole dance, Aerial Pole and Hairhanging.
Some notable performances are pole dancing for Snoop Dogg on the Auckland leg of his tour, over 200 shows of Blanc de Blanc show by Strut n Fret and most recently her hairhanging act "L$D" in the show "Club Tease"
Zoe had been involved with Luck and Schooney for several years now doing "Naked and Dangerous" and "Don't touch the Queers".
This will be her first season doing Night of The Queer!
Zoe Kelly
JAMES LUCK - Co-Director and Choreographer
REBEKKAH SCHOONBEEK-BERRIDGE - Co-Director and Choreographer
LATU HARPER - Musical Direction