The screen burst into life with colour and energy from the first moment. “A celebration of the human form in all its variations” was the theme and it delivered. And then some.
Through a variety of burlesque, dance, vaudeville, comedy, cabaret and music, this show will have you glued to your seat (except when you feel the urge to jump up and dance in your loungeroom).
Burlesque in particular as well as the other forms of variety in this show, are used to feeding off the audience. Whooping, cheering and laughing spurs the performers on and adds energy which is exponentially fired into the audience and returned with gusto. So, how to create this atmosphere in an online digital performance with no audience? This troupe of captivating performers and behind the scenes wizards achieved it with aplomb.
If I could give more than 5 stars to the camera operators, the sound engineers, the performance values, lighting and live editing, I would love to do so as they deserve massive appreciation. I truly felt as if I was there in the audience (but with a better view than usual!) They deftly moved from long shots to close ups, through multiple angles capturing all the action and the detail, bringing the performances to life and creating a tangible atmosphere.
With the planning and production duly appreciated, time to move onto the performers!
This may be the debut Melbourne Fringe for this regional Victorian burlesque troupe, however it is clear these performers are accomplished professionals. The 90 minute show proceeds effortlessly with variance of pace and style, through acts of skill, humour, strength, sexiness, sensual teasing and more.
As well as performing themselves, company founder, Jagaraj and performer extraordinaire, Vivian Fonteyn host the event, introduce the acts and keep the continuity flowing and the anticipation building throughout.
Launching straight into a traditional burlesque performance, Lady Eleanora draws us in with sensual music and rhythmic, sexy and spellbinding moves. A music change increases the pace and sassiness amongst beautiful costuming complete with tassels and fans.
The second act was introduced as the “Swedish Rubber Band” and throughout this incredibly engaging performance, circus star Ejika Handsome did indeed become a rubber band of malleable flexibility and stretch.
A change of pace saw talented Vivian Fonteyn performing a poignant and moving rendition of Nat King Cole’s “Nature boy”. A polished performance so captivating it was bewitching in its charms.
Following Vivian Fonteyn was company co-founder Minnie Mayhem, with her cheeky and mesmerising tassel twirling extravaganza.
A significant component of a variety show is the surprise element – not quite knowing what will happen next and being taken on a journey, sometimes emotional, sometimes laugh out loud funny and sometimes sensual and evocative. Purchase a ticket to find out the alluring secrets that lay within the rest of this show. As well as the aforementioned, expect to be seduced by the glamorous and sultry Anna Phalaxis, and enraptured by the humour and skill of Pat Pending, the beguiling burlesque queen Lana Lunacy, and the aberrant and intriguing Abbie Normal.
The laudable stage presence of all performers, combined with their energy, skill and a special magical ingredient, a ‘je ne sais quoi’ create a dazzling delight, sure to entertain.
Shows are at 8pm on Friday 20th/Saturday 21st, Monday 23rd/Tuesday 24th, Friday 27th/Saturday 28th.
Tickets available from: https://melbournefringe.com.au/event/red-mill-revue/
And one last shout out to the behind the scenes stars:
Technicians: Siobhan Heenan & Cathy Heenan
Lighting: Annie Sienesi
Sound: Daikota Gerrett
Cinematographer: Matthew Heenan
Direction: Daniel Lamech
Find out more about Red Mill Productions and the performers on their Facebook page
