Category Archives: Burlesque

At the Movies with Peaches ‘n’ Gin Burlesque

Posted on by adelaideartbeat
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By Andrea Taylor

The first time I saw a Peaches ‘n’ Gin show they were performing in a small room at Cushdy – now they are performing sold-out shows at Nexus Cabaret, a much larger, and more fitting, venue for their talents.

Their latest show, Peaches ‘n’ Gin At the Movies, showcases a series of movie-themed acts that take on a variety of films including the classic Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, the action packed True Lies and the magic filled Harry Potter franchise. Hosts Rohan Watts and Cara Louise, a Margaret and David like presence at their table to the side of the stage, introduce each new movie scene and rating the offerings out of a possible 5 tassels. Cara is not just host and her musical medley, accompanied by David Salter was lovely.

As with other burlesque shows I’ve been to it took the crowd a little while to warm to the idea of cheering and clapping during the performances but once they did their cheers seemed likely to drown out the accompanying tracks.

One of my favourite things about Peaches ‘n’ Gin shows is the way they incorporate comic elements into the burlesque acts, and don’t just leave them for the jokes cracked by the hosts in between. And they don’t just elicit a giggle here or there but often complete laugh out loud moments! However, there were darker moments as one of The Strawberry Siren’s acts, inspired by Secretary, provides a nice contrast.

As difficult as it is to choose a favourite act, a highlight for me was the Harry Potter scene starring Luna Eclipse as Harry Potter and Sapphire Snow as Draco Malfoy, who always complement each other beautifully. I won’t say much but I think I read a fanfic like that once…

Sultry, Suggestive & Saucy

Posted on by peteskiau
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There is definitely something hot about burlesque; be it the cheeky flirtatious looks the girls share with you; or just the naked female form being flaunted on the stage. It coy & sultry, sexy and beautiful, and something that everyone should at least see a few times in their lives. Nexus Cabaret was a packed house, hardly any seats free, for this R18+ rated treat.

Peaches ‘N’ Gin‘s newest show, A Deliciously Dark Burlesque, kicked off with a cheesy Rohan Watts & David Salters vaudevillian opening number. Cara Louise then played the “show-off” with her tongue-in-cheek song regarding a customer interaction about a chair in her second hand store. Cara can certainly belt out a tune, such a powerful voice. At times, she did not it the notes and during her second number, it was difficult to hear her. [Ed's Note - this may have been a technical difficulty.]

The girls who make the show are current Miss Burlesque [SA], Miss Sapphire Snow and Miss Luna Eclipse, and boy are these girls talented. Both have won awards for their talents over the past couple of years. Their cheeky smiles and show just enough skin, so as to maintain decency. This makes them all the more alluring and intriguing. They definitely look the part; eye make up, hair and undergarments are spot on: saucy and suggestive is hot!

The comedic banter and musings between the cast and some crowd members was fun to watch and listen to; a seemingly intoxicated older man down the front was a pest for a few moments, but he was soon put in his place by Watts with some quick wit. Cara professionally dealt with an audience member’s mobile phone ringing.

The 3 piece band on stage did a suitable of job of providing a fair amount of the music for the show; although some of the music is pre-recorded. After researching (read: stalking) the drummer on social media, it was revealed that he’d only had a brief run through of the music beforehand. This would explain his uncertainty when given vocal cues.

I would love to see this show someday with a live band throughout, and possibly running for a little longer too. For me, the hour wasn’t enough and I wanted to see a more then what I had. From all reports, David Salter is quite talented so having him belt out a few numbers would be great.

I’d also love to see this show when not surrounded by “Chatty Kathys”. The main culprits being a group of mid 20′s aged guys who I can only assume had either seen the show before, or who have sewed their wild oats so many times that the semi-naked females on stage provided no entertainment value, so they decided to discuss the organisation of a night out in town instead.

Peaches ‘N’ Gin is one of Adelaide’s best burlesque duos. Unfortunately, their season at Nexus Cabaret during the Adelaide Cabaret Fringe Festival has come to a close. Keep track of their activities on their website.

Delicious Mischief!

Posted on by RubinaInRadelaide
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Almost like a mini-gala event, prepare yourself for a couple hours of pure entertainment where Melbourne duo Wrongtown (Claire Bowman and Rose Sejean) take on pop-cabaret starlet Cookie Baker following vocal talent Ryan Coffey.

Coffey (pictured below) opened the show with three original tracks, and impressed the intimate crowd at La Boheme with his ability to sing and beatbox at the same time. He also used a loop machine to great effect, creating backing tracks on-stage for each song. His comedic routine was also well received.

Coffey then invited Jaan Kiploks (guitarist) and Cookie Baker to join him on stage. The transition between Coffey and Baker’s sets was seamless. Their cover of Portishead’s Glory Box was simply magic: Baker’s vocals, Kiplok’s strumming and Coffey’s beatboxing and kazoo-playing melded perfectly.

Baker stayed on with Kiplok to perform some of her best original material about ‘boys and booze’ (which unfortunately, for now, is not available on CD). Her initial on-stage diva antics seemed a little hollow (and ultimately unnecessary) but were quickly forgotten as her fingers danced over the keys and her voice filled the room. The diverse set included some fast and fun numbers, like the above Clean Sheets And My Bottle Of Gin, as well as the slower, emotional ones. Baker also admitted to having a crush on Dr Steve Taylor from All Saints – so much so that she even wrote a song for Dr Steve.

After a brief intermission, not to mention a chance to refill cocktail glasses, we were promptly transported to Wrongtown…

Claire Bowman (pictured above) and Rose Sejean performed a series of satirising skits featuring their abilities as actors, impersonators, singers and dancers. Characters included convincing impersonations of Cher and Christina Aguilera, tele-shopping hosts and Karen Carpenter as well as some who were clearly disturbed and deranged. My favourite (as a Chicago fan) had to be their adaptation of the Cell Block Tango, littered with references to Geelong and Adelaide. The pair entertained the crowd, whose attention did not waver despite the late hour.

Quick kudos also to Adam Boylon, who did not miss a beat as the audio and lighting technician on opening night.

Wrongtown Vs Cookie Baker in ‘Mischief Delicious’! runs for approximately two hours, by far the best value show so far in the Adelaide Cabaret Fringe Festival 2011 program. The show is on at La Boheme tonight and at Tuxedo Cat over the weekend. Last show Sunday 12 June, book your tickets here.

“Come To The Cabaret!”

Posted on by RubinaInRadelaide
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The punters and the press were packed into the ground floor of the Promethean for the second-ever Gala Opening of the Adelaide Cabaret Fringe Festival on Wednesday night, while the VIPs enjoyed the show from upstairs. I spotted Frank Ford (who founded the Adelaide Fringe Festival and the Adelaide Cabaret Festival) as well as outgoing Artistic Director of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, David Campbell.

Paul Boylen, Co-Founder of the Adelaide Cabaret Fringe Festival

Paul Boylen, one of the founders of the Adelaide Cabaret Fringe Festival and co-owner of La Boheme, welcomed us all and opened the evening with a short speech outlining the history of the Festival to date. He then introduced the “Hostess With The Mostess” Sidonie Henbest, who showcased some of the best acts coming up over the next month. I’ve seen Henbest perform better at monthly open mic nights, Cabaret Live!, at La Boheme. Her hosting skills were put to the test last night, and to be honest, I expected smoother segues to cover all from sequined dancers to foxy fellas to incomprehensible clowns.

First to take the stage was the camera-shy Cherry Valens, part of the duo who form A Wink And A Smile Burlesque.  Valens appeared uncomfortable on stage in front of the large crowd and danced somewhat awkwardly. Lucky her costume was a great distraction: a red velvet corset dressed with sequins and beads. The illusion created of a birdcage forming about her upper body was charming. Valens was followed by the foxy Charles Sanders, who will bring back his solo Adelaide Fringe show this June to Higher Ground.

Crooner Charles Sanders

Sanders started on a nervous note, but soon found his comfort zone. He belted out a fantastic Freddie Mercury medley and finished up with a Jackson Browne number. If this performance is anything to go by, you can’t afford to miss his solo show A Modest Exhibit.

Before breaking for a 20-minute intermission, the “First Lady of Cabaret in Adelaide”, Catherine Campbell wooed the audience with her renditions of Falling In Love Again and In These Shoes. Radiant as ever, she brought some much needed comic relief to the stage.

Catherine Campbell On Melodica

During the intermission, Fred Fudara played a selection of signature of French and Brazilian tunes, taken from his upcoming shows at Saldechin and La Boheme.

Fred Fudara Serenading

Schmoo, a clown of a character, opened the second half of the program. Schmoo speaks his own language of sighs and exclamations, which at times can be confusing to the punter. Nevertheless, the crowd seemed entertained by his on-stage antics.

Schmoo Playing With The "Radio"

Established jazz singer Libby O’Donovan then took the Promethean by storm. Her powerhouse vocals, coupled with genuine emotion and her own original songs, set a new bar of excellence for the Adelaide Cabaret Fringe Festival. In her song, “I Miss You”, there was an opportunity for pianist Chris Martin to shine for a minute or so at the Gala. (Martin was in the shadows for most of the evening as he accompanied each of the singers.)

Libby O'Donovan Hamming It Up

Following that ball-buster of a lady was the somewhat subdued Tara Carragher, perhaps better defined as the female embodiment of Bob Dylan. Carragher embraced her differences on stage, made light of her plainness, and all in all, gave a strong performance. Her voice really struck a chord with the audience, they were eager to hear more. Alas, she finished her set of four covers all too soon.

Tara Carragher Knockin' On Heaven's Door

As a special treat for the gentlemen attending the Gala, Miss Luna Eclipse of burlesque outfit Peaches ‘N’ Gin then strode to the stage. She exuded cheeky confidence, responded best to the wolf whistling by removing her garments one by one, revealing a trim figure.

The Tantalising Miss Luna Eclipse

To round out the evening, the audience was treated to a Cabaret Live! meets Lotto Draw. All the artists from the evening placed their names in Paul Boylon’s top hat, from which four names were drawn to perform an impromptu finale. The “lucky” ones were Schmoo, Henbest, O’Donovan and Campbell – who ended up performing a fantastic rendition of Kander & Ebb’s Cabaret.

“What good is sitting alone in your room?
Come hear the music play.
Life is a Cabaret, old chum,
Come to the Cabaret!”

Cabaret CanCan

The Adelaide Cabaret Fringe Festival is on now until the end of the month.

All images appear courtesy of Event Photography Adelaide.

The Countdown Is On…

Posted on by RubinaInRadelaide
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Are you still with us Adelaide?

I sure hope so, there is less than a month until loony June begins!

In early April, David Campbell (appearing as Artistic Director for the final time) announced the fantastic line-up for the fortnight long Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Headlined by Australian sweetheart, Olivia Newton John, the Festival will run from June 10 to June 25. Personally, I’m looking forward to seeing The Wet Spots in the Space Theatre and Mikey Robins and Margarita Pracatan in the Piano Bar.

The Wet Spots are a relatively unknown Canadian couple who are deliciously deviant and salaciously sexual. Cass King and John Woods return to Adelaide with some of the “most elegant songs about sex”, and enjoy conversing with their audience. They won the Adelaide Fringe Award in 2009 for Best Cabaret Act.

Disclosing now that I’m a fan of Mikey Robins, (not to mention Good News Week) and am curious to see how he gets on with this Cuban superstar, Margarita Pracatan for this Q&A style of event. It’s also free, running from the June 15 through to 19 June.

But that is not all… June is shaping up to be as loony as March! ;)

Image Courtesy of Event Photography Adelaide

Sidonie Henbest and Paul Boylon have teamed up once again to bring an even bigger and better Adelaide Cabaret Fringe Festival this year. The Festival had humble beginnings: it was a series of shows at La Boheme. Four years on, and the Festival has quickly grown to include almost 60 acts performing at more than 10 venues.

Keep an eye out for:

Sidonie Henbest & Paul Boylon

Henbest and Boylon have been instrumental in fostering a vibrant cabaret scene and mentoring aspiring cabaret stars here in Adelaide. May they do so for many more years to come! :D