EDINBURGH 2016 - Review: BRIEFS, Assembly Hall, 10 August

When it comes to cabaret, and especially camp cabaret, Australia reigns supreme. So much so that the stars on their flag should be replaced by sequins. Following the high-heeled footsteps of those who have twinkled across the ocean like Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Miss Kylie Minogue, comes the controversial but kickass kitsch Briefs.

This powerhouse of talent started on Brisbane's variety scene before going global in 2010 with their first full production. After selling out around the world, the fierce fellas are back to strut through Edinburgh.

Bulging briefs and bare bottoms are consistently paraded throughout, but this ain't no Thunder From Down Under. Instead, the striking strippers perform a hedonistic mix of burlesque, comedy, circus skills and even yo-yo tricks. Each artist has many strings to their bow, leaving the audience in endless surprise at what might appear next.

Some moments toe a line between wonderful and worrying that's thinner than a drag queen's heel. RuPaul fans will adore this, and overall it's more tasty than tasteless. It's not a show to bring your mother to, but then if she came with her friends, she would probably be dancing in delight by the end of the night.

A sprinkle of glitter, a shot of macho and a slice of camp, Briefs proves that real men wear feathers.

Briefs runs at Assembly Hall until 21 August

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