Courtney Act’s alter ego Shane Jenek tells life story at Brisbane Powerhouse

Michael James 12 January 2022

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Shane Jenek and his alter ego Courtney Act fast became household names in Australia in 2003.

Since then Shane has gone on to become a recording artist and television star internationally.

This month he returns to Brisbane to talk about his life via his memoir Caught In The Act at the Brisbane Powerhouse.

Shane Jenek talks Courtney Act on stage

After countless appearances as Courtney, Shane Jenek will instead take to the stage as himself for this one-off performance.

Raised in Brisbane suburbs by loving parents, Shane realised from a young age that he’s not like all the other boys.

Fast forward to the turn of the millennium, he discovers a passion for drag and steps out as Courtney Act for the first time.

So begins a career that will bring him fame, fans and forever change his life.

This candid Writers+Ideas event will introduce audiences to Shane, the man behind the make-up.

Here he will discuss the highs and lows of his career, as detailed in his recent memoir, Caught In The Act.

The memoir which has been hailed as equally hilarious and heartbreaking chronicles his journey over the last thirty years.

Shane will take audiences on his journey from the backyards of Brisbane to the bright lights of Los Angeles and all the way home again.

As always the night will be led with Shane’s trademark candour and wit.

Join Shane for a fearless and open-hearted conversation on gender, identity and acceptance.

From Brisbane to LA and back again.

Shane Jenek and Courtney Act first rose to prominence on Australian Idol in 2003.

After famously auditioning as Shane only to be rejected, he returned as Courtney, almost propelling himself into the top 12 of the competition, twice.

Following that appearance, Courtney became the dominant face of Shane’s career.

After being signed to BMG Australia Courtney Act released her gold-certified single Rub Me Wrong.

Moving to Los Angeles in 2011 proved a successful career move for Courtney.

In 2013 Courtney appeared on season six of the hit show RuPaul’s Drag Race. Here she became joint runner up to eventual winner Bianca Del Rio.

From here Courtney’s career continued to soar.

Going on to compete in Celebrity Big Brother in the UK saw Courtney crowned the eventual winner. This win spawned a string of TV appearances in the UK and back home.

Since then Courtney has gone on to host TV shows in the UK and Australia as well as competing on the Australian Dancing With The Stars, where she placed runner up.

2021 saw the release of Courtney/Shane’s memoir Caught In The Act which received high praise for its raw, honest and hilarious stories of life behind the spotlight for the star.

Shane Jenek: Caught In The Act is on at the Brisbane Powerhouse on Saturday the 29th of January 2022.

Tickets are on sale online via the Brisbane Powerhouse.