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Coco the Time-Travelling Tart
Coco’s Art History Comedy Highlights Tour at the NGV
Monday 13 Apr 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Five Stars
The NGV was founded in 1861, and is the most visited public art museum. It houses over 76,000 works spanning thousands of years, and tonight it plays host to Coco the Time-Travelling Tart, the tallest Drag Queen in Melbourne. We begin under the giant pumpkin that is one of the works of Yayoi Kusama, in a huddle Coco explains:
“So, for those of you who don’t know me or what this is, I won’t be offended, put your hands up. Okay, good. So, my name is Coco the Time Travelling Tart. And you are about to embark on a 45 minute art history comedy highlights tour of the NGV. I emphasise the words comedy. So do take everything I say with a good pinch of salt.”
Over the next fourty five minutes, we aren’t just on a tour of the art gallery, we are stepping into history. Guided by Coco, we’re treated to interesting facts about various works from periods in history.
Each work we stop at Coco tells interesting facts not only about the artist, but the time as well. It’s done in a way that is fascinating, funny and very well presented.
It’s clear that when it comes to art and history, Coco knows her stuff. A passion for the arts is one thing, but to blend it into comedy- well that’s just sheer genius.
The NGV is a different place at night, without the crowds and hum of activity, the stillness is pleasant. What makes it extra special is to be guided through paintings that might typically be ignored and to hear fresh new information on them- all done with humour and a touch of cheekiness.
To take a love for history, art and comedy and blend it into a show that is both funny, entertaining and informative is nothing short of sheer brilliance. Chuck in some audience participation and the show is simply fantastic.
Creator Max Norman has produced a fantastic show, as Coco he is witty, cheeky and gets away with jokes that he probably shouldn’t. He plays a character that is instantly likable, charming and magnificent. To make a show that is queer friendly is a triumph, but to chuck on a short dress and a terrible wig, well it’s nothing short of excellent. He’s confident, knows his history and banters well with his audience. It will make you look at the NGV in a whole new way- and a little art appreciation isn’t a bad thing.
This show is an absolute treat for lovers of art history and comedy.
Presented by Max Norman and 5 Foot Entertainment for the 2026 Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Words by Amanda Lee Starkey
