Presented by Viola Verve & Lilly Evelyn
Reviewed 19 February 2017
Let Deco Dolls transport you back to the glitz, glamour and sensual seduction of the 1920s and 30s burlesque.
It’s a bit burlesque and a bit cabaret, but whatever way you look at it, it’s an hour of talented Australian performers who give an incredibly varied range of song, dance and tease performances.
Stand out performer Miss Leopard Lass brought a cheeky sense of humour to the show with a costume and routine inspired by famed dancer Carmen Miranda. Her outfit was made up of a huge flamencoesque skirt that was almost peacock like, combined with maracas and, of course, a big bowl of fake fruit balanced gently upon her head. You can tell she loves being on stage and gave the audience a fantastically enthusiastic performance.
Violet Verve, in contrast, was sensually slower in a sultry performance that had the audience drooling, even over her ability to simply remove her gloves. She has definitely mastered the art of tease, especially when cavorting with her feather boa. Her rhythmic sensuality was enhanced by her choice of music; a slow and sultry cabaret version of Britney Spears’s up-beat Toxic which suited the routine perfectly.
Closing the show (for a very good reason) was the blonde bombshell, Melbourne performer Camilla Cream. She sure does know how to work the stage and had the audience totally in awe of her feather-fan twirling abilities. She really did finish the show with a bang! She can also sing like there’s no tomorrow, belting out a cabaret favourite, All That Jazz earlier in the show.
The costumes (as always) are mesmerizingly beautiful and every ounce of attention to detail is considered; from silky blonde ringlets and wicked cat eyeliner, down to T-bar Burlesque heels covered in glimmering diamantes. The outfits range from sleek transparent, figure-hugging dresses to bright red sequined bodysuits, and there are always wickedly creative nipple pasties just waiting underneath, including one of the most extraordinary I think I’ve ever seen (imagine a fruit bowl, but as a pasty).
Some performers seemed somewhat nervous which unfortunately led to mistakes being made, such as choreographed moves being out of sync, or just slight awkwardness. This though could be due to first night nerves.
MC Josh provided humour as a young, awkward twenty-something who is surrounded by beautiful, almost naked women – a situation of bumbling humour that raised many a laugh from the audience.
One thing to keep in mind is that every show has a different set of burlesque performers so you won’t be witnessing the same routines should you choose to go more than once.
Deco Dolls is an enjoyable way to spend a night out as you experience the beauty, grace and talent of these stunning Australian burlesque performers.
Reviewed by Georgina Smerd
Twitter: @Georgie_xox
Rating out of 5: 3.5
Venue: Nexus Arts, Lion Arts Centre, North Terrace & Morphett Street, Adelaide
Season: 19 February – 5 March
Duration: 60 mins
Tickets: $23 – $30
Bookings: https://www.adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/deco-dolls
https://www.adelaidefringe.com.au
https://www.facebook.com/events/370381076641902/
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