Recently, Sydney-based creative Maybelline Celles Spinley San Juan brought her show Maybelline is in her Slut Era to the 2026 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, in her comedy festival debut. But why would a woman call herself a ‘slut’?
Maybelline is here questioning the patriarchy on why exactly a man is praised when he sleeps around, but when a woman does it, she is looked down upon!? The Filipino Australian comedian reclaims her narrative in this smart new show, gleefully unloading all the juicy tales whilst equipped with a microphone, her impressive vocal prowess, and a power point presentation (for all the data whores) on her sexual escapades with carefully detailed and hilarious analytical results.
Sure, Maybelline is a flawed protagonist, but everyone makes mistakes, and honestly, we love a lady who learns, evolves and knows her own power. With an unwavering confidence and just the right amount of sass, Maybelline tells of the time she fucked 23 men in the space of 132 days, had her heartbroken and survived.
It’s not a dirty show by any means. Instead, Maybelline is in her Slut Era is a sex positive coming-of-age story about a young woman who, despite her trials and tribulations, still fiercely believes in love. This bold and brave little show is unapologetically shameless with entertaining stories and excellent songs that you’ll recognise, cleverly reworded to help Maybelline tell her story. With a bit of tunes from Sabrina Carpenter to Britney Spears, how could you not be entertained by this feisty little pocket rocket? My only criticism is that I felt the presentation on the screen was moving a little too fast! I wanted to read everything!
I would be lying if I said I didn’t go through some similar experiences that Maybelline did when I was a shy single lady, just trying to navigate the chaotic dating world. In fact, her stories are very relatable for many (even if we don’t want to admit it out loud). The cheeky way that Maybelline tells of her various experiences with such raw honesty is deliciously captivating and felt surprisingly empowering. This talented human not only openly wrote a fun and fearless show about her love life, but when you think about it, who hasn’t met a fuck boy before? Maybelline went through all the hard yards and learnt from it, so you don’t have to!
Say what you want about the girl and this show, but you can’t deny that Maybelline is in her Slut Era is the epitome of resilience in the best way possible.
Maybelline is in her Slut Era was performed at Storyville Melbourne and The Improv Conspiracy Theatre, as part of the 2026 Melbourne International Comedy Festival from the 9th of April to the 19th of April.
For more information, visit:
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/maybelline-is-in-her-slut-era
https://www.definitelymaybelline.com
https://www.instagram.com/definitelymaybelline
Photography supplied.