Review: 2004 Slumber Party

**Picture**: *2004 Slumber Party* (image credit: Creative Futures Photography)

Creative Director, Darcie Rae Boatswain, recently brought Glitter Martini’s 2004 Slumber Party to the 2024 Anywhere Festival Brisbane. One of the many things I enjoy about Glitter Martini is that the team aims to ‘create productions that are innovative, engaging, and welcoming,’ often when presenting a themed variety/circus/dance show with an MC who introduces each act and keeps the audience engaged.

I am guessing that the cast and creatives have fond memories of their teenage ‘slumber parties’ (of sharing secrets and gossip while eating popcorn and making their ‘scoubidou bracelets’), which is possibly why this latest show has lots of references to what was hot in the teenage world two decades ago. 2004 Slumber Party has a lot of well-chosen opportunities for audience interaction, including complimentary popcorn, time to write down memories of long-lost friends (each then launched toward the stage as paper planes), and scoubidou bracelet training. But most people managed to tear themselves away from their frenzied bracelet braiding to watch each of the talented performers take to the stage.

All of the artists spent time in the room—in their pjs and UGGs of course—for bracelet training and to encourage audience participation throughout the show. And they also discarded those comfier clothes when stepping onto the stage, for their moments in the spotlight.

Jade Haddy’s new lollipop lyra act was a fabulous way to start, and I loved the use of the hairbrush microphone; let’s face it, surely everyone has done this at some stage in their life? Jade Haddy demonstrated aerial elegance and strength in well-chosen moves. I’d certainly love to see this act again and was particularly impressed by the fluid interpretation of the music.

Tiana Pinnell’s dance number was creative and skillful—with memorable splits, high kicks, and moves. Sadly, most of us wouldn’t have been up to the invitation to ‘Dance with Me’ (great musical choice), but we were all happy to applaud this second act of the night.

The 2004 Slumber Party also includes another dance act—or perhaps it’s better I describe this one as art. Guest artist Voiiid Collective member, Georgia Pierce, performed their ‘Optic Feeding’ act, curated and choreographed by Jade Brider. I loved the audio ‘Big Brother’ references, and was fascinated by the act that is described as exploring ‘the intricacies of perception, viewing, and being viewed.’ A thought-provoking and beautifully executed piece.

The art of Voiiid Collective is new to me, but I am more familiar with the work of Bendy Elle. I have been fortunate to see several of Bendy Elle’s Glitter Martini pieces and feel that this latest act is possibly the best. A great musical choice, where Bendy Elle’s clever interpretation and moves held the full attention of the audience—with lots of scoubidou bracelet-making being paused during this number.

Rachel Ray was an excellent choice to follow Bendy Elle’s contortion. Rachel Ray’s new hula act is graceful and joyful, and incredibly fast-paced. If you missed it, just think about how fast you might be able to move a hula hoop when interpreting ‘Holding Out for a Hero.’ We all loved this piece, which I’d describe—in the best Olympic traditions—as ‘artistic hula.’

The final act of the night was another high point. When done well, pole dance is a combination of grace, elegance, musical interpretation, balance, and strength. Kelsey Rose is an absolute star, and was a great addition to the 2004 Slumber Party program. It was often difficult to see quite how Kelsey Rose held some of those incredible poses.

Congratulations to Darcie Rae and the Glitter Martini crew, on another strong addition to their menu.

Catherine Lawrence

**Picture**: Lots of audience participation at Glitter Martini’s *2004 Slumber Party* (image credit: Creative Futures Photography)

Audience information: The 2024 Anywhere Festival Brisbane program included only two performances of 2004 Slumber Party (3 August 2024) at VENTspace, 23 Glenelg Street, South Brisbane. All ages (suggest 10+). Arrive early if looking for on street parking. Tickets: $40, plus $3 booking fee. 55 minutes.

The reviewer attended the 3 August 2024 5:30pm show.

Geoff Lawrence