“Backstage was just delightfully chaotic with the wings and the make-up stations,” Brophy worker Lyn Eales said. 

“They were some of the quickest costume changes I’ve ever seen. 

“It was really cool ... it was a completely full house.” 

Friday’s show at the Mozart Hall was put together by several groups, including Brophy Family and Youth Services and Yumcha. It came at the tail-end of a week of workshops designed to make the city a safer and more understanding place for the gay, lesbian and transgender community. 

Hairdressers and make- up artists from around town put their craft to the test on the night. A smoke machine pumped out white clouds, illuminated by colourful stage lights. 

“There was a lot of spontaneity going on. Somebody literally gave over the dress she was wearing on her back to a performer,” Ms Eales said. 

Performers asked their sets be extended, meaning more songs had to be quickly downloaded onto iPods. Buses came from as far as Ballarat, Melbourne and South Australia for the night, which is expected to become an annual event.