Vampire Lesbians of Sodom

The long and bitter rivalry between two fatally seductive vampiresses, La Condesa (Jennifer Vuletic) and Virgin/Madeleine (Artemis Ioannides), is portrayed in Busch’s iconic play. He authored one of the longest running plays in Off-Broadway history and it became a cult camp comedy classic alongside titles such as Elvira Mistress of the Dark and Death Becomes Her. Nicolazzo highlights all of these elements in this mischievous production. The facetious, tongue-in-cheek flavour of this text is completely indulged in this performance and creates a non-stop camp extravaganza from beginning to end.

Vuletic takes to the role with delightful aplomb and Ioannides playfully draws on a variety of pop culture sex goddesses to inform her portrayal. The dynamic is fabulous and sets the frivolous and flippant tone for the entire performance. Tom Dent and John Marc Desengano provide some wonderful camp exchanges effectively adding another layer of hilarity to the show. The various historical periods, especially the silent Hollywood era, are beautifully portrayed with lush and colourful costumes accompanied by broad, larger than life gestures, dance and delivery of lines. 

The performers all clearly enjoy romping on the stage and this sense of pleasure and enthusiasm is inevitably and unquestionably transferred to the audience. Little Ones Theatre is renowned for their expertise in bringing such classic texts to the Melbourne stage and this is evident in the suave confidence of this production. This is a show that flaunts its ability to distract and amuse and essentially leaves you wanting more. 

Patricia Di Risio 

Photographer: Sarah Walker