In a non-descript house perched on the corner of their street live Mr and Mrs Jones; a typical 1950s couple – or are they?
Mr Jones professes to enjoy “manly” pursuits like spending him time in his man-den pumping iron and drinking Jack Daniels; while Mrs Jones is a dutiful housewife, perfectly made up and a wonderful hostess to boot.
Guests to their “home” (this production took place at the house of a friend of the performers) were first welcomed in the Tiki meets rockabilly garden with a fruit punch, cupcakes and steel drum music before the hospitable Jones’ then appeared on their balcony to lay down some house rules before the main program began.
There was to be no inappropriate touching of the household’s three attentive maids – Haley Honey, Clara Nett and Calliope Kinque – and done in character, it set the tone for a more cheeky than titillating evening ahead.
If you didn’t know what you were in for after their introduction – you were left in no doubt after the crowd were quickly ushered into the front room to be fed bananas and whipped cream by a Mrs Jones (Eva Vivacia) stripped down to her underwear and her hand-picked maids. Reading from the (made-up) pages of a how to be a perfect housewife – Mrs Jones then shared with us her “dream” girl Kimmi Doll and her desire to add her to her collection of housemaids.
From there, things move downstairs to the domain of Mr Jones (tonight played by Luke Stevenson) – where things really unravel … but in a good way.
The concept and premise behind Burlesque Bordello is not an original one (what takes place behind the picket fence and perfect facade) – and at times it can feel like this was one main idea that has been stretched for all that it is worth.
However, the element that stands out throughout the evening is the good-natured feel and humour of the production, and all the performers look like they are having a great time; which for the most part rubs off on the audience.
It seems like audience participation was something the cast and writers had counted on, but being opening night (and excluding the great contribution of one enthusiastic and fun-loving audience member) – it perhaps suffered a little with the most of audience not quite sure what to make of everything. While it was also one of its charms, having to move between the different areas of the house may have also contributed to the disjointed air.
While there were a few jokes that fell flat – for the most part the sense of fun was maintained, but that is not to say they skimp on the burlesque. With plenty of corsetry, tassels, feathers, suspenders and numerous dance routines; this too was a major part of the show.
One taste of the Anywhere Theatre Festival; Burlesque Bordello was a short and not as sweet as you might think slice of family life.
Burlesque Bordello
(presented by Booby Trap and sponsored by Lady Marlene’s School of Arts Ursulady Creations and Natty May’s Diner)
Performers: Miss Kimmi Doll, Luke Stevenson and Lena Marlene (alternating role), Eva Vivacia, Harley Honey, Calliope Kinque, Clara Net
Rating: 2 and a half stars
*Please note this is an 18+ only show
Burlesque Bordello plays as part of the Anywhere Theatre Festival from Thursday, May 9 to Sunday, May 12 and Friday May 17 to Sunday, May 19.
The Anywhere Theatre Festival, Brisbane, will run at various venues from May 8 to May 19.
