Review: ADELAIDE CABARET FRINGE 2017: CLUB BURLESK at La Boheme

Reviewed by Barry Lenny, Sunday 18th June 2017.

Club Burlesk, presented by Peaches and Gin Burlesque, is a monthly event at La Boheme, showcasing a small group of Adelaide's burlesque artists each time. There is a very active burlesque scene here, so they have plenty of performers to choose from each month. On this occasion, the evening was presented by Adelaide favourite, Hans, a Cabaret Fringe Ambassador who bills himself as the accordion-playing German boy wonder. Resplendent in a pink one piece outfit, topped with a pink feather in his pink hat, he came along at short notice to replace the person who had been booked but was unavailable on the night, and he saved the evening.

Burlesque not only boasts having a great many performers in Adelaide, but it also has a strong audience base, and so La Boheme was packed solid with enthusiastic supporters. A good few cocktails, wines, and bottles of bubbly were consumed throughout the evening by the very happy and lively patrons.

Vivienne von Coffin was first to grace the stage, beginning the cavalcade of stunning costumes, and well-rehearsed routines. The audience, many of whom are regulars to this event, were ready to participate with encouragement to the artists and much applause at the end of each routine.

Burlesque, it must be understood, is not like the modern striptease that you might encounter at a late night venue, with its total nudity, and sexually explicit acts. The undressing in burlesque, as part of a tightly choreographed routine, stops at G-string and pasties, with or without tassels. It is about style, showmanship, and cheekiness. The moves can be sensual and provocative, but tongues are firmly in cheeks as the performers smile seductively, then give a wink, or encourage the audience to cheer for the removal of a glove or stocking.

Always a welcome addition to any performance, Sidonie Henbest was on hand to add a couple of vocals, with a high-powered rendition of Mein Herr, from the musical Cabaret, proving highly popular.

Viola Verve was next to perform, and Miss Curvella closed the first half of the evening, both delighting the audience with their sensational outfits and classy performances.

Sidonie Henbest returned in the second half with a rousing version of Let Me Entertain You, from Gypsy, the musical based on the life of Gypsy Rose Lee. Again, huge applause followed her performance.

Miss Curvella and Vivienne Von Coffin performed more routines, and Miss Sapphire Snow, who organises the events, also got to strut her stuff in the second half. Once more, the costumes, many made by the performers themselves, the talented bunch that they are, drew forth suitable responses from the impressed onlookers. More extended dance routines and carefully crafted performances had the audience showing its appreciation.

The evening had pace, great backing music, fabulous outfits, and superb performances from the burlesque performers, as well as from Hans and Henbest. The evening was very professionally constructed and the patrons did not hold back with their praise.

There was no rush to leave, either, as many of the audience settled in for a drink or two for the road, and a chance to chat with the performers. Remember, the third Sunday of every month is Club Burlesk at La Boheme, but I'd advise booking in advance if this sort of crowd is turning up every time. To post a comment, you must register and login.

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