Best Night Out... and it Wasn’t in the City
Why the Rockingham Fringe Festival is proving that our local arts scene has officially grown up.
By Wade McColl (06/02/2026)
(L-R) Encore Director Marc Kenly, Founder of Hidden deTours Monique Boucher, Stand Up Comedian Vanessa Larry Mitchell, Encore Venue Manager Jarrod Fraser, & Founder and Director of Baldivis Times Wade McColl. Photo by Myah Loo, Baldivis Times 2026.
I’ll be honest with you: usually, if I want a high-quality night of entertainment, I find myself trekking up the freeway toward Perth. We’ve all done it. We assume that for the “real” talent and the “world-class” venues, we have to leave our own backyard.
Last night proved me wrong.
I was invited down to Encore (the stunning upstairs venue at Vat 116) by Director Marc Kenly and Venue Manager Jarrod Fraser. I walked straight into a sold-out show that was nothing short of legendary.
I have to give a massive shoutout to Monique Boucher from Hidden Detours. She was the one who first got me onboard with the Rockingham Fringe Festival, inviting me to the VIP launch that put this flourishing local scene on my radar. Because of that connection, I found myself sitting in a room full of locals, ready to be entertained.
The Show: Teardrops on my D*ldo
Vanessa Larry Mitchell performing in front of 120+ people at Encore Rockingham. Photo by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2026.
If you haven’t seen Vanessa Larry Mitchell, you are missing out on one of the sharpest comedic minds in the business. Last night was a total riot.
What struck me most was the crowd. The room was packed with everyone from 20-somethings to a beautiful soul celebrating her 80th birthday. Vanessa didn’t miss a beat, interacting with the birthday girl in a way that had the whole room in stitches.
Vanessa Larry Mitchell performing in front of 120+ people at Encore Rockingham. Photo by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2026.
My camera assistant and I were laughing until it hurt. Vanessa has a phenomenal way of controlling a room, weaving raw and unfiltered stories about dating, parenting, and “all things female.” It’s the kind of comedy that feels deeply personal yet hilariously universal.
I caught up with Vanessa on stage after the set. She’s been thriving in the comedy world for five years now, and she gave me the scoop on her next move. Her sequel show, “Fully Charged,” kicks off on February 12th. She’s promising a high-voltage experience with multimedia visuals and even bolder stories about her “stoner” daughter and the chaotic chapters of her life. If it’s half as good as last night, it’s a must-watch.
The Venue: A $3 Million Transformation
Encore Venue Manager Jarrod Fraser serving customers at the new Encore Bar. Photo by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2026.
The night wasn’t just about the laughs; it was about the location. When we arrived, Jarrod and Marc welcomed us with open arms, and I was genuinely blown away by what they have built.
I had a deep chat with Marc about the history of the spot. We talked openly about the old stigma of “undesirable crowds” that used to plague this venue back in the day. Marc hasn’t just painted the walls; he has been tirelessly fighting to change the entire narrative of the building.
His goal isn’t just to run a bar. It’s to build connection.
Marc wants a place where everyone, from comedy fans to families, feels safe and proud to visit. They have poured heart and soul, with a $3 million renovation, into upgrading Encore. With over 2km of LED lighting alone, the tech and the finish look better than half the venues you’ll find in the Perth CBD.
A Personal Note
Encore wine glass waits for Vanessa Larry Mitchell on stage. Photo by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2026.
Hearing Jarrod and Marc share how much the Baldivis Times impacts local businesses and the community was a humbling moment. As I’ve mentioned before, my mission is to report on the good, the bad, and the ugly. Getting to highlight the “good”, the business owners who fight to improve our local culture, is the best part of this job.
The Verdict: Support these local legends. The venue is world-class, the talent is incredible, and the atmosphere is exactly what our community needs. It is a place for us to come together and form the connections that matter.