Bourgeois and Maurice: Pleasure Seekers

Debuting at the Adelaide Fringe in 2019, Bourgeois and Maurice are back with a brand new show.

Described as ‘alien siblings from another planet’ their show, Pleasure Seekers, they may or may not really be related, but who cares? They look crazily alike with layers of gorgeously gaudy bondagesque (no, not James) costume that is strategically divested during the show. Their birth names are George and Liv and frankly the new names suit them better. You really do not want to know how the names transpired, but suffice to say George worked in a French market shop selling very bourgeoisie pate (no wonder he had to change careers as he is a strict vegetarian) and the other name had to sort of ‘match’.

With fully clown/cabaret/cartoon style painted faces (think the musical Cabaret on steroids) and Maurice’s (yes, that’s the girl) Marge Simpson style metre-high beehive hairdo, they are scarily compelling and the audience cannot take their eyes off them. Their patent boots and neon suits are simply gorgeous and with a runway shaped performance area, they really could do a fashion parade.

All of their material is entirely original, in more than one sense of the word. The show is joyfully high camp, hedonistic and original.

With songs like, “Non Stop Pleasure”, “Buying sh#t On Amazon”, “Feed the Like Machine”, “What’s the point in anything?”, and “What am I Doing with My Life?”, they effortlessly weave together social commentary, moral, political and personal issues set to catchy toe-tapping pop style music. The humour is not in the least bit subtle; it is, at times, confronting and savage, but always engaging. They have performed together for 15 years and the result in a slick, carefully staged and choreographed, highly entertaining performance. Their miming of playing imaginary instruments mid one of their ballads is worth the admission price alone.

Despite appearing flippant and somewhat casual, their purpose is about entertaining. Quoted as saying, “It’s about finding enjoyment in unlikely places, and about how we find personal pleasure in a world that feels a little on edge”, it is one hour of, dare I say, ‘sheer pleasure’. It is a treat for all ages at a comfortable and convenient venue, so ditch your ‘negative Nancy’ and treat yourself to this unique performance.

Jude Hines

Photographer: Peter Fingleton.

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