Burlesque Variety
Night
#JazidaProductions
The Abbey Function
Centre, Nicholls 2 February 2019
Reviewed by Len Power
A Canberra-based producer of variety nights, bellydance
showcases and burlesque events, #JazidaProductions brings interstate performers
to Canberra, facilitates workshops and supports local talent. ‘Decadence and Debauchery’ featured an
evening of interstate and local talent that gave the large audience at The
Abbey Function Centre in Nicholls a very entertaining show. The headline performers have won awards for
their work with titles such as ‘Miss Burlesque Australia’, ‘Burlesque Idol
Canberra’ and ‘Burlesque Hall Of Fame’.
All of the acts contained elements of classic burlesque –
glamorous costumes, teasing performances, comedy and novelty stripping. It was all performed with good humour and,
while it was certainly an adult show, there was nothing offensive about it.
The glamorous MC, Charlie Chapstik, did a fine job warming
the audience up at the beginning of the show and kept it nicely simmering
throughout. Her opening burlesque
routine was performed with humour and skill.
Jazida gave a classy and elegant performance in a beautiful
costume, demonstrating her excellent dance skills and Alyssa Kitt made the most
of her spectacular costumes and well-executed movement. Ginger Foxx did a classic stylised
performance with ostrich feathers and Maple Rose, with her humorous and precise
dancing and stripping, was especially entertaining.
After 11 years, veteran performer, Elizabeth Burton, made a
come-back in this show with a class act that demonstrated her finely honed performance
skills. The audience loved her.
The novelty acts were great fun. With the Dinosaur Museum just down the road
from the venue, it was appropriate to have a T-Rex appear and do a very amusing
burlesque dance. The elaborate costume
was a winner. The male-female ‘Double-O
Duo’ performed a clever erotic number which commenced with some rather
suggestive clay shapes being turned on a potter’s wheel.
The large group called ‘The Fabulous Fan Dancers’ nicely
performed two big dance numbers and it was clear how much they were enjoying
the experience and positive audience response.
Unfortunately, there were too many late lighting cues and performers
working in the dark. The sound from the
MC’s microphone was blurry from where I was sitting down front, making it hard
to catch everything she was saying.
Nevertheless, this was an entertaining show which delivered
exactly what it promised.
Photos by Captavitae Photography
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast on the Artsound FM 92.7 ‘In the Foyer’ program on Mondays
and Wednesdays at 3.30pm.
