comedy

VIVA Vicious by VIVA Melbourne is the adults-only experience you need to book for your next date night.

Secretly housed in a beautiful Cabaret room at the top of a warehouse at 64 Sutton Street, North Melbourne, VIVA Vicious and its troupe of amazing singers, dancers and, acrobats, creatively and tastefully capture “The art of suggestion” or, “The art of almost.”

While Marketing ‘Mandate’ Male Revue on King Street in the 90’s, I was safe to visit friends in the adult clubs next door. I noticed the gentlemen who came to see the female strippers were much more well-behaved than the Hen’s night ladies who came to see the males. It was a fun and bawdy time, and absolutely everything was on show.

This is not that.

Viva is the kind of nightclub show couples enjoyed in the 1950’s – dinner, drinks, dancing and, a floor show – only more naughty for the naughties.

Professionally and stylishly choreographed by Karlee Porritt, with a beautifully lit stage and interesting projections, Viva Vicious is both suggestive and sensational.

The show includes aerial acrobatics, popular music, beautiful costumes and humorous skits – males dressed as Nurses and French maids – dappling in virtual reality.

True to the mid-1800’s Burlesque shows, the VIVA men were often the comic relief between the provocative female performers. In this show, they also dance, play the saxophone and, assist in the aerial acrobatics.

Just like with ‘Moulin Rouge’ or ‘Crazy Horse’ in Paris, every performer is extremely fit and stunningly beautiful. Crazy Horse boasts of their show, “an ode to feminine beauty, combining eroticism and sophistication.” Viva in Melbourne certainly lives up to this boast.

The female body is a beautiful thing.

While enjoying VIVA Vicious, I remembered an old life-drawing teacher once told me, “What’s suggested is often more attractive than what is obvious.”

Unlike Moulin Rouge, where you’re practically sitting on the lap of the person next to you, the Viva Cabaret room is plush and comfortable. Couples and friends are seated in pairs at club tables on different levels, so every view is intimate, stimulating and, energetic. Even the opulent rest-rooms were exquisite!

Each Cabaret table is big enough to place two side plates and two sumptuous cocktails the Viva wait staff bring to you shortly after you’ve ordered. We tried the Chicken Karaage and the Salmon Sashimi. Both were visually pleasing, fresh and delicious.

The first performer on stage set the scene in a long sequined evening dress singing a Whitney Houston ballad, with precision. Now we find we’re in for Cabaret and, Burlesque.

She was followed by a Britney Spears number with many dancers in full-body tiger print outfits, topless.

A songstress mixes things up, singing a 50’s number sporting her Marilyn Monroe style dress.

There’s a Western number backed by the classic Ennio Morricone soundtrack, and plenty of ‘Honey Birdette’ designed lingerie.

Michael Jackson’s ‘Dirty Diana’ and Annie Lennox’s Sweet dreams perfectly back a sensual bed scene.

Things are spicy but never confronting.

Throughout, there were a few aerial acrobat spots, one with a spiral from the ceiling, another with silks, always with such skill. Loved the sexy Medusa track.

During a most enjoyable two-hour show, there are two Intermissions where you can go to the bar or, partake in a caviar bump and a vodka shot with a passing sexy server, to prepare you for the next show.

The troupe encourage you to hit the dance floor after the show.

Viva means “Long Live” in Italian and Spanish. I think we’ll return.

Viva Melbourne – Level 2, 64-90 Sutton Street, North Melbourne
Booking: https://vivamelbourne.com.au/events/

To book tickets to Viva – Vicious, please visit https://vivamelbourne.com.au/.

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