Step into a world where Barbie meets burlesque in a dazzling display of glitter and glamour with Barbie Burlesque! At this year’s Glenelg Winter Arts Festival, The Kingfisher tent has been transformed into the ultimate Barbie Dreamhouse, where each performer embodies a different facet of the iconic doll’s Barbie-verse. From classic Barbie to her beloved quirky sidekicks, Barbie Burlesque promises a colourful exploration of fashion, fun and all things fabulous – with an R-rated twist!
Lyra la Belle effortlessly commands the stage as both host and performer, embodying the essence of Barbie’s glamorous legacy. Dressed in a stunning black and pink rhinestone-studded bodycon dress reminiscent of Barbie’s iconic debut look, complete with a 1950s cartwheel hat and long pink gloves, Lyra exudes classic charm as “Stereotypical Barbie” as well as being the real-life “Diabetic Barbie” with type 1 diabetes. Her ability to captivate the audience is unparalleled, seamlessly transitioning from playful banter to commanding presence. For one hell of a finale, Lyra sheds her elegant attire to reveal a stunning black and pink striped lingerie set, diving into a giant coupe cocktail glass with theatrical flair: making an oversized cocktail that is “shaken, not stirred”. Her performance, highlighted by champagne splashes and swirls, is a testament to her creativity and showmanship, transforming Barbie’s elegance into a spectacle that dazzles and delights.
Lizzy Baker brings a vivacious energy to the stage, celebrating Barbie’s versatility as a working girlboss and an ’80s icon. Her initial appearance in a hot pink power suit with a white collar exudes authority and style, reflecting Barbie’s evolution through the decades. Lizzy’s transformation into a rhinestone-studded bodysuit and a baby pink tutu showcases her adaptability and theatrical flair. Her performance, set to empowering anthems like 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton and Boss Bitch by Doja Cat, is a dynamic tribute to Barbie’s career-driven persona. Lizzy dazzles with every costume change and layer that is shed, embodying Barbie’s multifaceted identity with a cheekiness and charm that is a delight to watch.
Arthur Nicely infuses the show with humour and charm as Allan: he’s Ken’s “buddy”. Dressed in Allan’s trademark colourful striped shirt and beach-ready shorts, Arthur’s portrayal is a playful homage to the Barbie-verse’s often overlooked but always beloved character of Allan. Impeccable comedic timing and entertaining costume changes, including an orange tropical bodysuit dotted with Hawaiian flowers and a beach towel reveal (Barbies don’t have genitals, duh!), evoke laughter and applause from the audience. Arthur’s charismatic performance is a testament to their ability to entertain with quirky antics, and it’s refreshing seeing a performer being completely and unapologetically their authentic self on stage.
No Barbie collection is complete without her eclectic array of pets, and Saint Eve embodies this concept in a surprising twist as Barbie’s pet pink gorilla. Dressed in a fluffy pink gorilla suit, complete with defined abs and glittery gorilla lips, Saint Eve’s act evolves from playful to provocative as the suit gives way to a revealing pink fluffy lingerie set. Saint’s performance, set to Bruno Mars’ Gorilla, showcases their ability to blend humour with sensuality in a way that will leave audiences in fits of riotous laughter but also weirdly turned on. Audience participation adds an interactive element to the show, bringing one lucky guest into Saint Eve’s “enclosure” for a truly wild and unforgettable performance.
Saskia takes centre stage with a wacky portrayal of “Weird Barbie,” unleashing her inner weirdo and challenging conventions of the Barbie-verse with fearless creativity. Dressed in a sheer black rhinestoned dress and donning a striking silver mutli-faced headdress, Saskia’s aesthetic is both mesmerising and unconventional. Their performance to rebellious anthems like Just A Girl by No Doubt and Bad Reputation by Joan Jett is a visual feast, showcasing their ability to push boundaries while celebrating Barbie’s fearless individuality. Saskia’s stage presence is enthralling, drawing the audience into their eccentric world with each daring move. As Saskia whips out a staple gun and begins stapling tassels onto their body, even inviting an audience member to help do the job, audience’s mouths are left gaping open and eyes wide in complete and utter bewilderment.
Foxy Roxie shines on stage with her extraordinary flexibility and dynamic stage presence as “Bendy Barbie.” Her performance, set to lively club remixes of iconic hits such as Cyndi Lauper’s Girls Just Want to Have Fun and Madonna’s Material Girl, showcases her agility and acrobatic prowess. Clad in an ombre fringe dress that mirrors her fluid movements, Foxy Roxie embodies Barbie’s playful athleticism and grace. Her ability to effortlessly execute backflips, somersaults and splits leaves audiences spellbound. Foxy Roxie’s performance is a testament to her dedication and skill, transforming Barbie’s iconic flexibility into a mesmerising spectacle that leaves a lasting impression.
Lylah Bloom takes to the stage with fiery intensity as “Fire Barbie,” wielding flames with effortless grace. Her performance, set to pulsating fire-themed tunes like HOT TO GO! by Chappell Roan and Hot In It by Charli XCX and Tiësto, is a bold celebration of Barbie’s sensual power and fiery side. Dressed in a sparkling fringe ensemble that transitions seamlessly into a beautiful matching lingerie set, Lylah enchants audiences with every movement, tracing flames across her arms and legs with theatrical precision. Her incorporation of butane bubbles and pyrotechnics adds a thrilling dimension to the performance. Lylah Bloom’s stage presence is both commanding and sensual, offering a captivating reinterpretation of Barbie as a symbol of strength and beauty.
Curvella oozes saucy sassiness as “Fetish Barbie”: who’s favourite colour isn’t pink – it’s black! Her appearance in a tight black latex dominatrix bodysuit and thigh-high lace-up boots is certainly an erotic sight to behold, exploring Barbie’s provocative edge and assertive femininity. Curvella’s powerful performance, set to the bold lyrics of Short Dick Man by 20 Fingers, is an evocative R-rated exploration of Barbie’s sexy side. Her mockery of a Ken doll’s “small package”, coupled with deepthroating what seems to be an endlessly long balloon, is a memorable spectacle that will leave you questioning everything. Curvella’s portrayal celebrates Barbie’s ability to embody diverse personas with style and confidence, offering a bold reinterpretation that is both empowering and entertaining.
Sebastian Wolf pumps plenty of passionate “Kenergy” into his playful and charismatic performance as Ken, proving that he is well and truly more than “Kenough”. His iconic double denim outfit featuring booty shorts and a vest adorned with the playful slogan “Kenergy” is “plastic but fantastic” at it’s finest. Set to the playful anthem I’m Just Ken by Ryan Gosling, Sebastian’s performance is a downright hilarious portrayal of Ken as more than just Barbie’s partner. His ability to engage the audience with lighthearted banter and dynamic stage presence underscores Ken’s enduring appeal. Sebastian Wolf’s portrayal is both entertaining and endearing, embodying Ken’s character immaculately and with fabulous flair.
Barbie Burlesque is more than just a Barbie tribute show; it’s a creative celebration of Barbie’s iconic cultural legacy captured through the bold and brilliant art of burlesque. Each performer brings with them a unique and personal interpretation of Barbie and the Barbie-verse, evoking a beautiful sense of nostalgia as childhood memories are relived. With incredible themes, iconic costumes, and a diverse cast of Barbie-sonas, this burlesque extravaganza offers a colourful, R-rated delight that’s not to be missed! Catch the last show at 9pm tonight in The Kingfisher for a dose of glitter, glam, and a whole lot of fun – snap up your tickets here!
Barbie Burlesque
Date: Friday 12 July – Saturday 13 July
Location: The Kingfisher at Glenelg Winter Arts Festival: Colley Terrace, Glenelg SA 5045
Rating: ★★★★★
The Adelaide Insider 