Briefs Factory bring tricks, treats and ‘good old Aussie cheek’ to Fringe World

From underground clubs to the world’s biggest festivals, Briefs Factory have rewritten the rules of variety cabaret with a bold mix of spectacle and subversion. At Fringe World 2026, they return with The Works, flinging open their glittering archives for a dazzling, daring and delicious best-of variety show at Ice Cream Factory from Wednesday, January 21, until Sunday, February 15. Bringing double the fun this summer, they also arrive with Hubba Hubba—where circus meets club culture in a dancefloor explosion of DJs, drag, burlesque and bold surprises—hitting The Rechabite from Friday, January 23 until Saturday, February 14. ABBY GREER caught up with Briefs co-founder and ‘King of Burlesque’ Mark Winmill, to find out what keeps drawing Briefs back to Perth, why Fringe World feels like home, and how their wildest shows yet are set to light up the city this summer.

Welcome back to Fringe World Perth! With over 20 performances coming up, what are you most looking forward to about this festival run?

We adore our Perth annual pilgrimage. We love our audience in the west, and Perth in the summertime is amazing. We are ecstatic to be presenting The Works at the Ice Cream Factory and Hubba Hubba, our late-night party in the stunning Rechabite!

After touring internationally as extensively as you have, what’s the most special part about coming back to Australia for Fringe World?

For the icing on the cake, we’re bringing out the notorious Evil Hate Monkey, one of our original burlesque brats and the UK’s burlesque icon, the one and only…Kitty Bang Bang!

Briefs: The Works seems like the definition of a variety show. How does this show differ from last year’s Fringe World offerings, Knickers and Jealousss?

Coming back to Oz after touring overseas is always brilliant! Coming back to Fringe World resets us, as it’s become a true Briefs tradition! We get to see family and friends and entertain our beloved Perth punters, who I dare say are one of the wildest crowds!

For those new to Briefs, how would you describe your productions?

Briefs – The Works is an hour of our best hits! A mixed bag of sorts, featuring iconic acts from the stables, award-winning signature dishes and very special guests from overseas. We’re super excited about presenting The Works at the fantastic Ice Cream Factory this year!

For the newbies, Briefs is an explosion of high-skilled, saucy circus, stunning punk drag, award-winning burlesque and good old Aussie cheek. An ensemble of all makes and models that celebrate the extraordinary.

Mark, you have the privilege of working with a very talented ensemble. What’s the best part of collaborating with such a diverse and accomplished group?

The best part of collaborating with such a diverse and dynamic ensemble is the chemistry we bring to the stage. We know each other so well, and I really think the audience sees this at play. We present a diverse cast, and each and every one brings their own flavour!

It’s been said that Briefs Factory have redefined cabaret and rewritten the rules of variety. How does it feel to have this reputation?

Briefs has been around the block, that’s for sure, and our reputation of reintroducing circus, drag, burlesque and comedy onto the scene years back sits humbly on our shoulders. We adore and are blown away by new talent and new ensembles, and when you hear that we have influenced certain artists, it makes us feel pretty damn good! See ya soon Perth!

Briefs – The Works hits ICF: WAREHOUSE at Ice Cream Factory from Wednesday, January 21, until Sunday, February 15, 2026. Tickets are on sale now from fringeworld.com.au  Briefs’ Hubba Hubba hits The Rechabite Hall at The Rechabite from Friday, January 23 until Saturday, February 14, 2026. Tickets are on sale now from fringeworld.com.au