Castlemaine creative Scott Rossiter is inviting people to slow down, sit together, and share the stories behind the objects they hold dear with Adult Show and Tell.
Held at Sac‘O’Suds Launderette, the evening invites audience members to bring along an object of personal significance and speak about its meaning. The objects themselves are wildly varied: a clown nose, a knitted baby bonnet, a coffee cup, a strange roadside trinket, even a carrot.
Reminiscent of life as a child, when we would find an item to take to school and share with the class, adult show and tell invites people to connect and to share.
“It could be happy meaning, sad meaning, silly meaning — everything’s welcome,” Scott said.
The idea, he explains, had been quietly forming for years.
“I’m someone who lives in a very meaningful way,” he said.
“I have a lot of sentimental objects in my life, I’m quite childlike, and I’m a storyteller as well. One day, show and tell just bubbled up as this thing that combined all of those parts of me.”
What began as a gathering among friends has steadily grown into a public community event, with the last few sessions opening to newcomers beyond Scott’s immediate social circle.
And while the format may sound simple, the stories shared have proven unexpectedly profound.
“One person came in an altar boy outfit and spoke about religion and childhood,” Scott said. “Another shared a bonnet they knitted while grieving a miscarriage. Then someone else brought in a piece of rubbish they’d found on the side of the road because it reminded them of their love of cycling.”
Not every contribution is heavy, however. One memorable attendee brought along a carrot simply because they loved carrots so much. Months later, a stranger recognised them in the street as “the carrot lady”.
“That’s the community aspect of it,” Scott said.
“People start recognising each other through these stories.”
A landscape architect by trade, Scott says he has long been drawn to community-building and performance. He also practises theatre clowning and improv, experiences that have helped shape the welcoming tone of the evening.
The room itself is carefully curated to ease nerves. Scott arrives early to set up rugs, lamps and cushions, transforming the venue into something closer to a cosy lounge room than a public laundromat.
“There’s no pressure for anyone to share — you can just come and listen.”
For those who are shy, Scott offers gentle support — including question prompts, conversational cues, or even standing alongside participants while they speak.
“I really want everyday people to feel like they can do this. You don’t have to be an artist or a performer,” he said.
“It’s really just about connection,” Scott said.
“If you’re human, you probably have something meaningful in your life worth sharing.”
Show and Tell runs every three months with the changing seasons. The next event takes place on Friday, June 5, with doors opening at 7.10pm for tea, snacks and conversation before stories begin at 7.30pm.
Tickets are $10 through Scott’s website: www.scottrossiter.com.au/show-and-tell or the Show and Tell Instagram page.