Presented by Organised Pandemonium
Reviewed 16 February 2016
Velvet, starring musical diva, Marcia Hines, is one of the Fringe 2016 “big shows”. The production’s Twitter account boasts that Velvet is: “An electrifying trip to a world of glamour and abandon, a high energy fusion of disco, dance, burlesque and circus!” So, does it deliver? You bet your boogie it does!
Tuesday night, Adelaide’s media celebrities were out in full force for the official opening night of Velvet in The Spiegeltent which, by the way, was the perfect venue for this show. With a backdrop of simple disco lights, several mirror balls and attention to tiny details such as the DJ wearing mirrored headphones and visor-style sunnies, the intimate atmosphere felt like everyone was at Studio 54 together, rather than just watching a performance.
From the opening number (Boogie Wonderland) to the finale, the energy never let up. The show commenced with a character (Brendan Maclean) in business attire dropped into the “Boogie Wonderland”. At first he is gauche, naive and shocked by the flamboyance around him, but as the show develops, so too does his capacity to let his freak-flag fly. And while Fringe is accustomed to both Circus and Cabaret, setting them against a flaming inferno disco soundtrack is pure genius. The first third of the show features hot-bodied men performing acrobatic strip shows, breathtaking ladies in sparkly little costumes and vocals and dance moves that had the audience grooving in their seats. And this was all before the star attraction, Marcia Hines, made her gold-sequined appearance.
And does Ms Hines still have star quality? Absolutely! Pitch-perfect, powerful vocals coupled with her commanding stage presence and beauty showed why Ms Hines has been an Australian favourite for so long. The lady is a legend.
Another new crowd favourite was hula-hooping hunk, Craig Reid. Dressed in a fluro yellow and pink mankini, Mr Reid had the audience in stitches as he showcased his incredible hooping and dancing talents. This big, beautiful boy certainly made an impression and it was clear the audience loved him.
There were also some edgier acts, one featuring costumes reminiscent of Fifty Shades, but the show remained PG at all times.
Without giving away too much detail, all I can really say is that I loved, loved, loved this show. If you like your Fringe flamboyant, freaky and fabulous, go see Velvet. Although it could be more aptly named “Sequins”. So, so many sequins…
Reviewed by Samantha Bond
Twitter: @SamStaceyBond
Rating (out of 5): 5
Venue: Garden of Unearthly Delights – The Spiegeltent
Season: 16 Feb – 13 March
Duration: 80 minutes
Tickets: $52 – $58
Bookings: Book through FringeTix online or at a FringeTix box office (booking fees apply)
http://www.adelaidefringe.com.au
http://www.gardenofunearthlydelights.com.au
https://www.facebook.com/velvettheshow
https://twitter.com/velvettheshow
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