Review: Bombshell Burlesque: Heatwave!
The Bombshell Academy has clearly built a devoted following as part of Brisbane’s Wonderland Festival; a run of three virtually sold-out years continuing, as the Friday and Saturday evenings of this year’s run are already sold out. Clearly, audiences know what they like. My three recommendations are: (1) if you want to see many of the Wonderland Festival events, don’t delay: book now; (2) put the 2019 Festival in your diary so you get to see your favourites next year. Oh, and (3) going out on a Thursday night means you get to see shows that otherwise are sold out!
Bombshell Burlesque: Heatwave is a selection of burlesque acts, themed around… heat (unsurprising really, with that title). A great end-of-year showcase for the Bombshells, and the students and tutors of the Bombshell Academy.
Ella Fontaine is a well-chosen MC, keeping the evening on track, as a quick-change host, raconteur and chanteuse (memorably with Hotline Bling and Heat Wave). The talented Lila Luxx (Las Vegas Burlesque Hall of Fame 2016 & 2017) directs the show and was one of our highlight acts of the evening as a devilish ‘tease. Jacqueline Furey showed why she has been recognised as International Sideshow Showgirl (although no sword-swallowing or fire-eating on display this time), with some flowing dance and also making sparks fly. And I believe it was Cello Bordello (Miss Burlesque Queensland 2016) who rocked Highway to Hell with a hoop, attitude and an altitude ‘tease.
Pictured : Jacqueline Furey (R) in conversation with Kelly Higgins-Devine (Turbine Platform, live ABC Radio 612 Broadcast). Pictures Credit: Creative Futures Photography.
The music was well-chosen, the show fast-paced (Fontaine commenting on the chaos of behind-the-scenes quick change), the tassels spun, the flesh was revealed, and the audience had a ball. My two highlights were the dance class routine (complete with leg-warmers, to what else but a version of Olivia Newton-John’s Physical), and of course the ‘Bev-in-Accounts’ Hot Summer Nights fun.
The traditional definition of burlesque is an exaggerated parody, or variety show that includes striptease. But it has come to refer to the sequins, strip-tease, and showgirls, as seen at Bombshell Burlesque: Heatwave. If you like contemporary burlesque, are looking to sample a burlesque show, or want to see more of the students and tutors of the Bombshell Academy, them this is for you.
Verdict: If you are a fan of Bombshell Burlesque, and the Bombshell Academy, I’m sure you’ve got tickets already. If you’ve not seen a burlesque show before, this might be a good place to start.
Audience tip: 60 minutes, Brisbane Powerhouse Visy Theatre (coarse language, implied nudity, sexual references, strobe effects, adult themes, and light smoke/haze effects. Drinks purchased at the bar can be taken into the show). There are only three performances Bombshell Burlesque: Heatwave in the 2018 Wonderland Festival program (22-24 November, 2018, all 9pm), and it appears that the remaining shows are already sold out. Tickets may still be available or try the box office for returns? $35 ($30 for groups over 10+ concession), plus $5.95 transaction fee. Why not keep an eye on the website, and see what else might tempt you at the 2018 Wonderland Festival.
The reviewer attended the Thursday 22nd November 2018 performance (9pm).
Pictures Credit: Creative Futures Photography.