Melbourne Burlesque

VOGUE: Humor, Glamour, And Edge To The Forefront!

Viva - Vogue

Viva – Vogue Rating

★★★★★

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VOGUE is one of two shows on currently at VIVA Melbourne – above one of the most popular performing arts training centres in the country; Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance, but the show employs artists from near and far. Every singer and dancer is a top level representation of hard working talent.

Advertised aptly; ‘Riches come to life and cabaret re-invented!’

I can agree with that. VOGUE is a variety cabaret show unlike any other I have seen, excepting maybe in Las Vegas, and their venue gives a ‘Vegas’ feel as soon as you enter the luxury upstairs. Seating is semi-circled booths and tables. Glamorous dancers in heels will be showing you to your seats and handing you the menu – you can order / eat / drink right here. We are one level up with the best view, but there are tables right on the stage edge …. more about that choice next if you’re game.

A bartender walks on stage and awkwardly introduces himself – he explains he will open the show whilst the real host has been delayed…. Hmmmm… he seems very good at hosting jokes and noteworthy comedic ability is well received by interaction from the audience members he engages with unsuspectingly. If you want to take a punt and sit down front, WARNING: risk to become part of the show LOL 🙂

The digital backdrops in this place are fantastic! I absolutely LOVED the luminous magazine covers for the feature item of VOGUE; each cover-girl positioned spot on and in the dark to suddenly shine brightly under a spotlight of photographers and paparazzi, but Madonna’s ‘Vogue’ is not the only smash hit you’ll be looking at.

 

Viva - Vogue
Viva - Vogue
Viva - Vogue

 

We are taken from song to song, country to country and movie to movie. We enjoy flashbacks of stars from the silent screen to more randomly selected audience members getting their chance for a moment in ‘Cats’ and ‘Grease’ – their partners still in their seats needing no encouragement to get phones up and have those videos shaking with laughter!

The Spice Girls were spot on and perfectly costumed; Baby Spice took me back in time in her high boots and pigtails (she was always my favourite). Scary in her signature leopard print, Sporty in her athletic wear (now there’s a chance for sponsorship), Ginger strutting out in the Union Jack and Posh engrossing in a black jumpsuit I would’ve died for in my youth!

Get ready for some ‘tiny’ costumes too – you need to be comfortable with that when watching this show (VOGUE) and Viva’s later night show (VICIOUS) gets even more raunchy we are told.

A highlight is the aerial acrobatics on the huge hoop that appears from nowhere out of a circle above us, not once but many times throughout the evening and each time showing off completely different tricks to the last, all incredible with graceful extensions and some interesting poses – especially when our host dangles himself down (you’ll have to go see to find out what that means…..).

Impossible to list everything this neo-burlesque show offers. You will be witnessing an explosive feast of entertainment including a James Bonds meets Charlies Angels, an ELVIS in Viva Las Vegas like none I have seen before, a rendition of Dirty Dancing that is totally Uproarious, a Spiderman in all his glory, the squealing high kicks of the Can-Can in Paris, the cirque silks of Egypt and the Brazilian Samba moving into Spain, plus MORE, ending in an all-laughs Australian Finale with thongs of all sorts.

My No. 1: I’d have to give it to the side-splitting ‘Bee Gees’ take off

Thank-you VIVA team – this show can only expand in popularity as it becomes more well-known… watch this space 🙂

VOGUE: humor, glamour, and edge to the forefront!

Ticket and info link: https://vivamelbourne.com.au/

I recommend this show for anyone over 18 who has a sense of adventure into the unknown and for Melbourne tourists too interested in seeing our fabulous home grown artists. There are not many shows close to our city for a reasonable price where you can also enjoy good food and drinks whilst watching. Note: We particularly loved the fries, arancinis and the themed cocktails.

VIVA Melbourne’s all-round inclusive show-food-drinks concept is impressive!

Ps. the bathrooms are out of this world – nowhere, anywhere has bathrooms like this, so if you don’t have time to do your make-up at home just bring it with you!

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

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Pokélesque: The Uproarious Drag And Burlesque Parody Play

Pokélesque

Pokélesque Rating

★★★★★

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One would not be out of place saying, WTF Rosie Roulette, writer and director of Pokélesque, performing 24-28 Feb 2026 at Ackland Street Theatre. What goes on in that fierce silly nerd head of yours?

Pokélesque tells the tale of a young trainer, wanting to be the best, beginning their pocket mon journey. Lucy May Knight’s star shines brightly as the young trainer. Their quick wit and improv reactions are hilariously fun. Adam White is equally matched as the Rival. There was no censoring of the rival’s name volunteered by the audience unlike the game. This was the beginning stages of the shocks and excitement ahead. Various stages of undress mean this is not a kid’s show.

We are cleverly welcomed, with the audience lights on, to three pink eared acapella singers, with words slightly changed for the Pocket monster theme, as people take their seats. As the lights dim and the story starts, we are taken on a weird psychedelic trip. The Professor, Darin Casler, cleverly comforts us for the road ahead. That road included fight scenes where we the audience clapped along and roared laughing.

 

Pokélesque
Pokélesque
Pokélesque

 

There was MX Lucy Furr, whose stunning performance as Lickitung in hot pink tongue boa and pink sequined cap which made them a vagina in certain poses and strip teasing pocket mon. Rosie Roulette dazzled us with her beautiful version of “Never Enough”, what an exceptionally multi-talented weirdo. Sy Quinn’s performance in multiple roles with strange unrecognisable accents and many hat changes brought well deserved cheers and whoops from the audience every time they came on stage and played up directly with the audience.

Driving and begging for reactions seamlessly within the storyline. Rasputtin as Mr. Mime was a highlight. Their mimed strip tease was comically sensual and had audience members catching and returning their imaginary clothes with glee. The fabulous dancing Theresa Problem and Izzy Inyette play the villainous team Red Rockets. Were there a couple of sound issues and a troublesome microphone on opening night? Sure, but this talented crew added it to the interaction with us the audience. Improv and a non-existent fourth wall included us at every turn of this parody style play.

This all-inclusive, minus kids, show really is one for the pocket monster fans with many hidden and some not so hidden Pokemon puns. However, no prior knowledge is needed. Get along to the mischievous, totally camp, frivolous Pokélesque. Presented by GEEK OUT Nerdlesque. You will have a great time.

To book tickets to Pokélesque, please visit https://www.theatreworks.org.au/2026/pokelesque.

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Viva Vicious

Viva - Vicious

Viva – Vicious Rating

★★★★★

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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.

 

Viva - Vicious
Viva - Vicious
Viva - Vicious

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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Piper’s Playhouse

Piper’s Playhouse

Piper’s Playhouse Rating

★★★★★

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From the moment guests step inside Piper’s Playhouse, it is clear this is not simply a show. It is a fully realised world.

Greeted warmly by the irrepressible Jimi the Kween and the razor-sharp Valerie Hex, audiences are ushered through an immersive maze, complete with bubble artist, hilarious peep shows and confession booths. From the start, you can tell that whimsy and risqué will walk hand in hand for the evening. The space itself is a triumph of design. Deep red velvets, glowing table lamps, light haze and a central podium create a Parisian cabaret atmosphere that feels both transportive and inviting rather than themed or contrived.

A full house on the night I attended generated a buzzy energy, with a broad mix of ages (strictly over 18) proving the experience is as accessible as it is sophisticated. Gorgeous tables, attentive costumed hosts and slick service reinforce the sense that every detail has been carefully considered. Even the delivery of the first glass of champagne becomes theatre in a moment of surprise that perfectly captures the spirit of the night.

On stage, a stunning jazz band provides the heartbeat of the room. Their playing is effortlessly virtuosic, loud enough to shape the atmosphere yet perfectly balanced so conversation can flow. It is cabaret accompaniment at its finest: tight, relaxed and deeply stylish.

 

Piper’s Playhouse
Piper’s Playhouse
Piper’s Playhouse

 

Valerie Hex proves a brilliant MC, working the room with effortless comedy and razor wit that never comes at the expense of the audience. Meanwhile, Jimi the Kween commands attention with a spectacular voice that moves seamlessly from power to nuance, all delivered with uproarious humour.

Headliner Diesel Darling demonstrates exactly why she sits in the Burlesque Hall of Fame. Titillating and playful, her connection with the audience is magnetic.

The supporting acts are equally compelling. Becky Bubble is captivatingly inventive, elevating the medium of bubble art into something quietly magical. Soliana Ersie leaves the crowd audibly gasping with contortion work that borders on the impossible, while hand balancer Naz Alexander delivers feats of strength with undeniable flair. Magician Sebastian Rideaux impresses both onstage and during close-up performances between sets, his charming patter guiding audiences from laughter to cheers of delight in seconds.

Importantly, the troupe feels like exactly that, a troupe. Performers weave through the audience, support one another’s moments and contribute to an atmosphere that is welcoming, inclusive and joyfully celebratory.

Add excellent food, fast and friendly table service and a late-night, post-show piano bar led by the high-energy Trevor Jones, and the result is an evening that refuses to let the party end quietly.

The attention to detail is immaculate. The care for the audience experience is unmistakable. Piper’s Playhouse is an immersive feast for the senses, a masterclass in modern cabaret and the kind of night you can’t wait to tell your friends about.

To book tickets to Piper’s Playhouse , please visit https://www.crownmelbourne.com.au/bars/pipers-playhouse.

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