Ruth Agnew reviews Hugo’s Rainbow Show, presented as part of the Rainbow Theatre Festival, at the Court Theatre, Saturday 7 March 2026.
Hear me out: let’s bring back a dedicated hour of news at 6pm every night, where entire households gather in their lounge rooms to catch up on the day’s events, except there’s no news or sport or opinions or feel-good stories, just the weather. And the weather is delivered by meteorologist with the mostist, Hugo Grrrl, and his team of clucking fabulously attired weathered friends.
I would watch Hugo Grrrl’s sparkly magical rainbow weather forecast hour every night. Every night FOREVER. And in between 6pm weather bulletins I’d watch returns of previous forecasts and do Buzzfeed quizzes to find out which of the Hugo’s fellow presenters you most resemble.
Hugo’s Rainbow Show is, to give the most basic of descriptions, an educational hour-long show explaining the science of rainbows in the glittery guise of a drag show. It is also an empowering, inclusive, heart-warming experience for the young and not-so-young. Built on the foundation of Hugo Grrrl’s exuberant and energetic attitude, facts about types of weather are given by a team of personifications: Ray the Sun, Misty the Cloud, Archie Rainbow, and my personal favourite, Wayne the Rain. Each character is played by the very busy Hugo, who has mastered the art of a quick costume change.
My fervent belief that an hour a day of the nation’s favourite drag king’s rainbow forecast is the way towards a happier future is based on my experience today attending Hugo’s Rainbow Show. Hugo warmed the audience’s hearts with his welcoming and engaging introduction, easily achieving something ‘theatre for the young’ creators lie awake dreaming of: forging a genuine connection with the young audience, without being patronising or alienating older audience members. Whether or not you’re into weather, anyone enveloped in the positivity and genuine affirmation of the opening will want to meet each of the climate creating chums. I walked out of the theatre into sunshine and a golden glow over the city.
Prior to the show officially starting, Hugo met the mini meteorologists in the foyer, and chatted quietly with them. Thus, when Hugo took to the stage, the little rainbow enthusiasts were well acquainted with the colourful chap centre stage. The atmosphere was inclusive and relaxed, with many little voices piping up solo with punchlines and comic timing duller comedians would envy, as the comfortable environment and Hugo’s friendly demeanour gave them the self-confidence to have their opinions heard by everyone. As people hurried to take their seats, children could be heard admiring Hugo’s rainbow sequinned suit.
The Ōtautahi edition of Hugo’s Rainbow Show was a one off as part of the Rainbow Theatre Weekend at the Court Theatre, but if you missed it, you can still get a taste of Hugo’s sparkling vibes by buying Hugo’s book What Makes a Rainbow. Times are tough, and we need more hope and kindness and inclusivity and empowerment in our lives. So I return to where I began: wanting daily Hugo Grrrl weather and positivity. Until this happens, I recommend going to Hugo’s Rainbow Show if it appears near you, buying the book, and petitioning the government for more Hugo Grrrl for everyone.
Hugo’s Rainbow Show was created and performed by Hugo Grrrl, with music by Chantal Claret & Jamie Sharp, illustrations by Mikayla Strahorn, and photography by Lane Worral.
Flat City Field Notes 