Review – Boon-esque – Getting to the Good Bits

Oh, my word.

Boon-esque is a deliciously affectionate celebration of the romance genre, in all its purple prose and risqué tropes, and how readers have come to embrace its guilty thrills. In the opening act, the audience is warmed (and how!) with Ginger Leah Rye’s treatment of the Victorian bodice-ripper, complete with marriage proposals, flirtatious glances, stormy symbolism and, of course, a good ole sword duel. From there the show never pauses as SheShe Velour, Mimi Le Mae and Bobby and the Pins switch up costumes and scenarios as they explore the lasting appeal of Mills & Boon escapism.

This is “Smart Bitches Trashy Books” as a burlesque show. It’s saucy, intelligent humour for people who don’t give a shit for literary pretensions over a passionate coupling and aren’t afraid to revel in it. Bobby and the Pins ground the show with their fantastic barbershop performances — highlights include their unnerving take on “Mr Sandman” and a macabre performance of “Jeepers Creepers” —  and their commitment to period 50s style and dress. Meanwhile, the other performers repeatedly take centre-stage to elucidate on the romantic inclinations of teenage Baby-Boomers, WW2 sweethearts, 60s’ society women and red-lipped pulp vixens.

Boon-esque is a bold and juicy tribute to the literature, music and fashion of the mid-Twentieth century.