Review – Big Band Burlesque
Sequins, feathers, lace and gorgeous girls are abound in the 2014 edition of Peaches ‘n’ Gin‘s Big Band Burlesque. Five of Australia’s finest burlesque performers and American boylesque star Russell Bruner entertain audiences in their own unique way, from comic burlesque to gender-bending to downright saucy dancing and pure sexiness. The glamorous cast of performers have a cabinet full of national and international awards between them and all their talents on display in this late night performance.
The over-sized cabaret seating spreads the audience a little too far apart from one another in the Convention Centre’s super-venue The Big Slapple 48 Lounge. Beautifully lit and presented, one couldn’t however help but wish the space was just a little more intimate – and who wouldn’t want to get closer to the “talent” involved? Current Miss Burlesque Australia, The Strawberry Siren, showed just why she reigns supreme, in her luxe costumes and classic burlesque routines, and Peaches ‘n’ Gin co-founder and Adelaide burlesque pioneer Luna Eclipse proves why she’s our queen of comic burlesque, although Miss Becky-Lou does give Luna a good run for her money.
If its tails and a top hat that’s more your thing though, never fear, because Vesper White and Russell Bruner are here! Crowned the King of the Las Vegas Burlesque Hall of Fame, Bruner’s vaudevillian cheekiness and masculinity add a little something different to the mix.
Masterful jazz ensemble Capitol Swing led by Adelaide jazz veteran Mike Stewart help set the mood for each act, and the multi-talented blonde bombshell, singer, and MC Lady Cara helps navigate the audience through the politics of appreciation in the burlesque biz, and belts out old, and perhaps new, jazz numbers to create a delicious Gatsby-esque vibe.
