Review: Absolute Trash
Picture supplied, credit Taylor Scott: Absolute Trash curtain call (NOT a Creative Futures image).All images and performance lit by Steven May.
After blowing away reviewers at the 2024 Adelaide Fringe, I am delighted that the Glitter Martini team brought the Absolute Trash show back to Brisbane. I am sure audiences will be clamouring for it to return yet again, as this show is all that the promo promises, and more: creative, saucy, funny, skillful, and occasionally spellbinding. With lots of rubbish, and a great set list …opening to the Scissor Sister’s Filthy/Gorgeous, of course…
Glitter Martini has arguably cornered the market in producing themed events that showcase the talents of the individual circus and comic performers. One of the reasons why these shows work so very well is that each performance is hosted by a skilled MC, who ensures an appropriate level of fun and audience interaction. Trent Charles, as Natrasha Binit, is the ideal choice for Absolute Trash. Modelling several fabulous trash-themed outfits that work perfectly with Natrasha’s green locks, Trent Charles’ Natrasha Binit is quick-witted and sassy—keeping the audience entertained and engaged while also providing appropriate introductions to each of their fellow artists.
The first highlight of the show has to be the ’Little Pink Things’ aerial hoop. Featuring Rachel Ray and Bendy Elle, this is a graceful and skilful duet; at times almost magical, with mirrored moves and impressive poses that work well with the soundtrack. On Friday night, the aerialists left a light pink trail of new trash as they left the stage to rapturous applause.
The mood changes quickly once Calum Johnston’s entertaining bin chicken puppetry explodes out of the AT (rubbish) box. Occasionally frenzied, Johnston’s bin chicken act is tragi-comic silliness at its finest—perhaps only matched by Johnston’s later audience participation rubber chicken concerto.
Johnston also provided us with one of the three Absolute Trash ‘how can they do that’ moments, with an amusing take on the balloon swallowing magic trick. An impressive performance made funnier with the interaction between Johnston and Charles, as Natrasha manages an entertaining combination of smut and impatience. My second jaw-dropping piece had to be Darcie Rae’s balance act; if you get the chance to see this one, just wait until Rae starts moving into the splits while balancing glass of wine on her forehead. And my third ‘omg’ moment had to be watching the Absolute Trash contortion.
Picture : Bendy Elle (Elena Khaw), Credit: Creative Futures Photography
Picture: Calum Johnston’s bin chicken act (Image credit: Creative Futures Photograph).
Picture: Rachael Ray and Bendy Elle (Image credit: Creative Futures Photography)
Picture: Darcie Rae’s dancing trapeze. Credit: Creative Futures Photography.
Picture: Rachel Ray. Image credit: Creative Futures Photography.
Picture : Elena Khaw, Credit: Creative Futures Photography
Bendy Elle (Elena Khaw) is a talented contortionist, managing to elicit plenty of groans and gasps from the audience as its often difficult to believe the positions Khaw can get into. The last time I saw Bendy Elle perform, I thought it was the best I’d seen. I stand corrected, as this latest piece was fluid, beautifully choreographed, and held our full attention. I guess when you are quite so flexible it can be easier to connect with the full audience, on all three sides of the performance space…
Fellow aerial hoop performer, Rachael Ray, also returned to the stage with her fun and very fast hula. I particularly enjoyed the ‘across the shoulder’ control, and twirling of three separate hula hoops on her arm, neck and foot—and the use of the LED hoop was a really effective touch.
Of course, I’m keeping the best until last, as Darcie Rae’s dancing on the trapeze is the absolute highlight of Absolute Trash. I’m almost lost for words here… you just need to buy a ticket for a future Glitter Martini show, and hope that this saucy and skillful Saturday Night number makes it into the set.
Sadly this was a one-night-only show at Arcana. I highly recommend following the Glitter Martini socials, to make sure you don’t miss out on their future ‘circus, shaken’ performances.
Picture: Absolute Trash… (Image credit: Creative Futures Photography)
Audience information: Absolute Trash at Arcana Brisbane, 46 Evesham Street Moorooka, Brisbane (7:30pm, 28 February 2025 only). 16+. Some onsite parking, suggest arrive early as there is limited street parking. Tickets: $49-$54 (group tables from $200). 65 minutes.
The reviewer attended the 28 February 2025 7:30pm show.