Furby Folx
Programs & Events
Freddy Weir with their furbies. Photo by Rebekah Halls.
A devotional gathering at NCM celebrating the non-binary icon, FURBY
The majestic Furby has long straddled the worlds of misunderstood creature and adored companion. A bit weird, a bit cute: rejected by some, but beloved by others. Designed to be angelic creatures with no gender. Step into the world of the Furby who knows what it is to be all things at once.
Join Lord Freddy Furby (Freddy Weir) and Patrick Lenton in a Furby congregation at NCM. Consider the birth of robotic companions and discuss the future with the Furby Chorus on display in FRIEND, in an exclusive afterhours exhibition viewing experience at NCM.
Hear Freddy and Patrick share their extensive pop culture and Furby expertise (obsession) as they discuss the non-binary Queer icon that is Furby. Bring your own Furby or other companion creature to enter the competition adjudicated by Freddy and Patrick – which Furby will reign as Supreme Companion?
Program:
- 5.30pm: Doors open, exhibition viewing (ground floor only)
- 6pm–6.30pm: Freddy and Patrick discuss the love of Furbies
- 6.30pm–7pm: Supreme Companion competition
This program includes a bar with drinks available to purchase.
We recommend Furby Folx for ages 14+. Any young people under 18yr need to attend with an adult.
Doors open at 5.30pm with an opportunity to view FRIEND before the program starts. Doors will close at 7pm.
Furby Folx is proudly presented as part of Midsumma 2026
Speakers
Freddy Weir (they/them)
Freddy Weir is a writer, comedian, and Furby collector. They’ve been working as a copywriter for nearly a decade now, and their work has appeared on TV screens and billboards around Australia. Their fiction writing focuses on trans and queer experiences of love and nostalgia, with a focus on creating joyful, hopeful narratives. Their first novel is based on a piece of writing they started as a 17-year-old, which has been lovingly restored and rewritten over the past two years. They live in Naarm, Melbourne, with their partner Kevin, two enormous tabby cats, and forty or so Furbys.
Patrick Lenton (he/him)
Patrick Lenton is a writer, journalist, and author living in Melbourne, Australia. He is an author of short stories, essays and recently published his debut novel, a rom-com called In Spite of You , in August 2025. This is part of a two-book deal with Pantera Press.
He is also a freelance writer, journalist and editor. Previously he worked as a reporter for ABC Everyday, and was the Deputy Editor, Arts + Culture at The Conversation, where he was also a Walkley Awards finalist. Previously he was the Editor of pop-culture and entertainment publication Junkee.
He is a regular arts and culture commentator in the media, having appeared on The Project, ABC’s The Mix, ABC Breakfast and more. He was an anchor guest on ABC Sydney’s Culture Chatter, and appears regularly on ABC Melbourne.
Patrick is the editor of the independent publication Nonsense , a newsletter which covers comedy, Queer news and culture, and commissions LGBTQIA+ writers from around the world to write about Queer representation in media and culture.
Venue Accessibility
- This program includes seating for all attendees
- NCM is fully wheelchair accessible
- All gender and accessible toilets are available on both levels
- Hearing loop available
- NCM is a high sensory space with a variety of noise and lighting, there will be a quiet room available for anyone who needs one
- If you have any other access needs please get in touch, we'd love to help hello@ncm.org.au
What else is on at NCM Summer?
NCM Summer
Learn More About FRIEND
FRIEND
