The Moonlight Dolls

Corsets are tight, costumes are flowing and the looks are provocative; everything that you want in a burlesque show. We are introduced to the entertainment by a man who could best be described as loud and manic as he bounces around the stage chatting to audience members. Some of his banter is funny and some cringe-worthy, but all is forgiven when he introduces the real talent of the evening. Hailing all the way from Houston, Texas, this troupe of performance artists are confident, beautiful and extremely sexy.

Superbly executed performances are met with raucous applause by an appreciative audience. Seductive well-rehearsed numbers displayed flexibility, precision and captivating choreography. Abby Cadabra and Ana Anastacia left the audience wanting more. Emma Vauxdevil displayed her skill swallowing fire and it was an unexpected addition to her routine. Cadabra gave a lesson in burlesque to two willing participants from the crowd; it provided side-splitting hilarity.

We were lucky enough to have an extended show with plenty of guest artists. A piano playing chanteuse from Melbourne singing ‘I don’t do burlesque’ was clever, a doll-like performer showcasing her skills on aerial hoop, while a male Canadian comedian who decided he could replicate the moves of the dancers was a hilarious way to finish their last show of the Fringe.

A troupe that understands their genre and fulfils the audience’s expectations with a scintillating display of sexy entertainment and playful naughtiness assures us this will not be the last time we see this group in Adelaide.

Kerry Cooper