Standing ovations. Sold-out seasons. Nationwide acclaim.

TINA – A Tropical Love Story is a high-energy drag cabaret by acclaimed First Nations artist Ben Graetz, also known as the fierce and fabulous Miss Ellaneous. Blending storytelling, music, drag and cabaret, the show is a heartfelt tribute to Tina Turner and a powerful celebration of identity, resilience and joy.

The story begins in Darwin in 1993, when a young First Nations boy witnessed Tina Turner perform under the stars at the Darwin Amphitheatre. That moment would spark a lifelong journey of self-discovery – one that now takes centre stage in this dazzling, deeply personal production.

“Breaking the well-worn mould of the tribute show, this dazzling production excels in its capacity to generate joy.”
a 5 Star Review by Arts Hub

Written, directed and performed by Ben Graetz, TINA – A Tropical Love Story weaves together autobiographical storytelling with iconic Tina-inspired energy, big hair, sequins and soul. Through the lens of Miss Ellaneous, Ben shares stories of growing up queer in the tropics, finding strength through music, and embracing the transformative power of performance and community.

Since its debut, TINA has toured nationally, earning standing ovations in Darwin, Brisbane and Sydney, a sold-out season at Darwin Festival, and critical acclaim from audiences and arts leaders alike. Each tour stop features guest First Nations and queer performers, ensuring every performance is grounded in local community and cultural connection.

With choreography by Sani Townson, and a cast of special guest artists, TINA – A Tropical Love Story is joyful, funny, moving and unapologetically fabulous – a celebration of Blak excellence, queer storytelling and the enduring legacy of a global music icon.

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal investment and advisory body.

Ben Graetz

Born and raised on Larrakia Country, Darwin, Ben Graetz has cultural ties to Malak Malak, Kungarakan, Muran Clan (Iwaidja) & Torres Strait Islands (Badu Island).
With a career spanning over 26 years, Ben is recognised as one of Australia’s most dynamic and influential First Nations arts leaders, working across performance, creative direction, producing, programming, writing, DJing, MCing and directing. A respected community advocate, Ben was named LGBTI Person of the Year in 2018 and in 2024 was honoured as a Northern Territory finalist in the Australian of the Year Awards, which acknowledges his artistic excellence, cultural leadership and dedication to community.Ben is currently the Creative Director for the National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAS), The Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAS) and most recently the Co-Festival Creative Director for Sydney World Pride 2023, cementing his reputation as a significant member of the arts industry.

Sani Townson – Choreographer

Sani Townson comes from a strong cultural family who are of Samu, Koedal, Dhoeybaw clans of Saibai Island in the Torres Strait. Sani studied at NAISDA 1996-2000 and danced with Bangarra 2001-2006. Since leaving Bangarra, he has worked with SBS, NITV and ABC, and collaborated with companies such as Gondwana Voices, Sydney Children’s Choir, QANTAS, Leigh Warren & Dancers, Insite Arts and NAISDA Dance College.

Sani has choreographed for Christine Anu, Felix Riebel, Kate Miller-Heidke, Sean Choolburra and Electric Fields. In 2020, Sani returned to Bangarra as the Youth Programs Coordinator while developing his own interactive children’s show Lagaw Mabaygal (Ailan ppl). He was one of the Cultural Consultants for Bangarra’s first children’s show, Waru -journey of the small turtle, which premiered in 2022 and is currently touring acrossAustralia.In 2023, Sani debuted Kulka as part of Dance Clan 2023 at Bangarra and choreographedthe acclaimed Blaque Showgirls at Griffin Theatre Company.

A heartfelt & hilarious journey from the bush to the big smoke’

Tony Albert

A dazzling, darling, debonair dish of a Darwinian Diva who dramatically dances her deadly drag dot in a dreamy, delectable, delightful, deliciously dynamic way while delivering dignified dialogue about the dearly divine Dina Durner….I mean Tina Turner. For a night that will warm your heart with story while igniting your soul with classic Tina tunes, catch this show. Miss Ellaneous is simply the best

Steven Oliver

Brisbane was swept away by Tina – A tropical love story, a coming of age celebration of tropical heat and big hair. Standing ovations and dancing in the aisles, a highlight of Melt Festival!

MELT Festival Brisbane

Tina – A Tropical Love Story was a real highlight of Darwin Festival 2024 and many audiences told me it was their favourite show of the festival. It was full of heart, humour, great songs, and fabulous performers. Ben Graetz has created a fantastic cabaret show that I know will resonate with audiences across the country

Kate Fell, Artistic Director Darwin Festival

Breaking the well-worn mould of the tribute show, this dazzling production excels in its capacity to generate joy

Arts Hub

Graetz has a quiet confidence that puts you at ease, and he really knows how to put on a good show with strong and talented performers along for the ride.

Theatre Travels

The polished choreography, impeccable lip-syncing, and big “Tina” hair are all a feast for the senses. More than a mere tribute show, Tina – A Tropical Love Story is a heartfelt celebration of Tina Turner’s impact on Australian audiences and, more personally, on Graetz himself.

Sydney Arts Guide