Review: Seasonal Tease at Connections Nightclub
Seasonal Tease – Winter is Coming at Connections Nightclub
Friday, July 12, 2024
Say it quietly or shout it from the rooftops; Perth is having an absolute moment with its burlesque scene currently. The local calendar is overflowing with events, talent, and recognition. Into this entire whirl comes new producer Autumn Daze with the new show Seasonal Tease. Given the quality of this debut performance, this was no winter of discontent, with many glorious springs and summers likely ahead.
The MC for the night was Cece Desist, a riotous force of nature, a hilarious and raucous combination of Kath and/or Kim, of non-stop chatterbox Shopping Channel host, of utter camp, with a divine singing voice when called upon.
From winter to Wintour, Vogue gone rogue, 2024 Perth Apprentease winner Reya Bambina took inspiration from that magazine’s seemingly forever editor for her performance. An example of anything a person can possibly think of being made into burlesque, the iconic hairstyle and big sunglasses made their appearance. With a jacket flourishing over her shoulder and the precise nuances of a true fan and student—of both the artform and subject—the Connections stage suddenly became the highest fashion catwalk. Reya slayed with an act that was something very special.
International headliner and burlesque superstar, Melbourne’s Bettie Bombshell, graced the stage to the song Would You (Go To Bed With Me), and verily, the entire audience would. Bettie provided the face, the sparkliest cabaret cocktail waitress outfit, and the easy insouciance of someone who knew every eye was on them. An ultimate professional, scene newcomers watching were heard to say Bettie was everything they ever imagined burlesque to be.
Recently returned from Las Vegas, the Burlesque Hall of Fame, and having won the Most Comedic 2024 title there, self-styled glamour spud Lucy Lovegun was the evening’s headline performer and brought a relaxed, unhurried, and sensual routine to The Doors’ Riders on the Storm. Back-up performers came on stage, a visual intensification of the metaphorical storm, and Lovegun fought the elements successfully with all the power of tassel twirls.
All the acts on stage were of very strong quality, speaking highly of the ability of Autumn Daze to bring this cast list together. Moreso true cabaret variety than solely burlesque, Seasonal Tease also brought us two magnificent fan acts: a lounge singer who leant substantially into storyteller, an Eisenhower-era housewife turned Rocky Horror’s Frank-n-Furter, and a performance that took off not much more than gloves but remained high concept burly throughout.
Seasonal Tease has given itself an exceptionally high standard for its debut show, demonstrating that almost anything can be cabaret and that anything can be burlesque. A welcome addition to an admittedly very busy market, one hopes it maintains the quality, creativity, and star power of its Winter 2024 collection.
PAUL MEEK