Review – Bacchanalia
By the look of the heavy, red velvet curtains and the soft glow of the fairy lights, it looks like you are in the right place but it seems as if the show has already begun as three vivacious blondes gyrate and rock out to ‘Rolling on the River’. The sequence on their costumes catch the light, elevating the feel of the comedy den at the Rhino Room into a circus party. The audience is further astonished by the busty cleavage on show and tiny spandex shorts these girls have managed to fit into. You are dazed, mesmerised and then…. it only gets better!
It is very rare, even at the Fringe, when a show lives up to ALL of your expectations and then some, but Bacchanalia does just that. Hosted by the cheeky comic duo of Titty Bar Ha Ha and their Party Spirits, Bacchanalia showcases the best variety of circus, music, comedy and burlesque. By the time you get a peek of the first act you have already been ‘warmed up’, so much so that you cannot help but laugh from your belly or oooh and ahhh with feeling. The excellent work of the ‘fluffer’ acts is carried through right to the climax, as it were. Each act, whether it be the comic stylings of Irishman Martin Moore or the sensual and naughty strip tease of Lyra La Belle’s burlesque number, is crowd pleasing and flawless. You have gotten your money’s worth as well as a mouthful of free tequila, you couldn’t possibly ask for more. And then comes the second act! Where tongs and broccoli become the most hilarious props ever used.
Nonetheless, this show isn’t for everyone. If you aren’t a fan of “fuck buddy” themed songs, party games and free tequila in water guns, then this might not be for you. Everyone else, if you didn’t get a chance this year, lock it in for next Fringe.
