Twins

What do you get when you combine a statuesque red-head with a portly drag queen? One of the most hilarious combinations to ever hit the cabaret stage. Their paradoxically named show ‘Twins’ is full of sass and sexual innuendo that will leave you rolling in the aisles.

National treasure Rhonda Burchmore has graced the stage and screen for many years and this is testament to her enormous talent. With the stamina of someone half her age she shines through every note. Sharing the stage is Sydney based drag queen and cabaret performer Trevor Ashley, who is no stranger to the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Ostentatious in his delivery, his star quality is a perfect foil for Burchmore.

Hysterical parodies of Adelaide’s own Sia and English diva Adele are pure perfection. It is fair to say that you will never watch Disney’s The Little Mermaid the same way again after Ashley and Burchmore put their naughty spin on it. Comical skits involving Ellen and the Kardashians sends up the absurdity of celebrity and highlights the chameleon-like qualities of both performers.

Add sequins, feather boas and a whole lot of attitude and you have the recipe for one of the funniest shows I have seen in a long time.

Musical Director James Simpson and his band the ‘Twinks’ provide a wonderful soundtrack to this outrageous 80 minutes. Dressed in white shorts and sequined tank tops, there was something almost angelic about their display.

Flamboyant costumes and lighting rounded out what could only be described as a superb indication that cabaret is alive and well.

Kerry Cooper

Photographer: John McRae