As the winter chill sets in, Inferno: July Edition offers a blazing escape from the cold. Held on the last Friday of every month, this sizzling event transforms Adelaide’s premier rooftop venue Nineteen Ten into a haven of heat and spectacle. Inferno showcases Australia’s hottest talents in fire performance, burlesque and cabaret: from homegrown talents in Adelaide, to interstate wonders from all over Australia. Hosted by the iconic burlesque star Lyra la Belle, the night promises an electrifying mix of artistry and entertainment, proving once again why Inferno is a must-see spectacle that sets the stage ablaze with creativity and passion.
Icarus kicks off the evening with their signature flair. Their first act, set to Rihanna’s iconic hit Shut Up and Drive, showcases their adeptness and artistry with both fire palms and fans. Clad in black denim jeans, a white crop top and wearing a pair of black aviators, Icarus projects a strikingly confident and commanding presence on stage. In their final act to Fall in Line by Christina Aguilera, Icarus delivers a mesmerising performance that begins with a dramatic tableau of bound hands and a blood-smeared face. Their transition to an emotional aerial lyra act is nothing short of stunning, combining technical prowess with an intriguing narrative that hints at deeper themes beyond the flames. Icarus’s performance is both polished and poignant, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Kalikah’s performance, set to the haunting strains of Chokehold by Sleep Token, is a hypnotic and masterul blend of both the intensity of alternative metal with the sensuality of traditional bellydance. Draped in a sequinned black and silver veil, her gothic meets traditional bellydance costume creates a powerful visual impact. The fusion of fire palms with her sinuous snake arms and intricate belly undulations captivates the audience, showcasing her ability to merge ancient dance forms with modern music. Kalikah’s commanding presence and fluid movements keep the crowd entranced, highlighting her as a standout performer of the night.
Ember Rose dazzles with two distinctly themed acts that showcase her seemingly boundless array of skills, each performance revealing a different facet of her versatile talent. Ember Rose lights up the stage in a Barbie pink sequinned mini dress, culminating in a breathtaking display of fire tap dancing set to Do Something Crazy by Outasight. The sparks from her fiery taps are a visual marvel, amplifying the already electrifying atmosphere. Her second act, set to Rain from The Suicide Squad soundtrack, sees Ember bring her softer, more sensual side to the stage. In a floor-length pink sheer robe and stunning floral lingerie set, Ember Rose combines delicate fire effects with a graceful floral striptease. Despite a minor struggle with lighting the fire bouquet, her routine, including a captivating bath scene, is a testament to her charm and growing prowess.
Phoebe Ophidia surprises the audience with a refreshing and vulnerable vocal performance of Gotye’s Hearts a Mess, shaking up the evening’s burlesque and fire focus. Clad in a striking red lingerie set and a faux crocodile skin waspie with draping black floor length silks, Phoebe’s voice, though slightly nervous, displays promise and potential. Her fire fan routine, seamlessly integrated into her performance, enhances the emotive tones of the song. Phoebe’s willingness to explore new avenues and push her boundaries is commendable and indicative of her bright future in the performing arts.
Winchester Angel delivers two contrasting yet equally captivating performances. In the first, to Palaye Royale’s Desire, she exudes regal elegance in a burgundy gown with a sequinned bodice. Her mastery with two fire chalices is awe-inspiring, creating dramatic, swirling patterns of flames. In her second act, Winchester embraces early 2000s pop nostalgia with a playful, vibrant performance to Charli XCX’s Guess and Britney Spears’ Break the Ice. Her iconic transformation from sophisticated femme fatale to “brat” party girl, complete with fire baton tricks, showcases her versatility and ability to entertain in diverse styles.
Selena Sol’s sensational performance is a testament to her exceptional skill with fire hula hoops. Dressed in a sleek black bodysuit with mesh elements, Selena effortlessly twirls a flaming hoop to the funky beat of Like That by Fleur East, her high level of dexterity and control evident throughout. Despite a brief mishap where the hoop drops near the audience, Selena’s professionalism shines through as she smoothly continues her routine. Her continuous improvement and dedication to her craft are clear, making her a standout performer who consistently wows with her fiery artistry.
Brandy Snap puts a unique spin on on the words “fire show” with an act is a masterclass in creativity and humour. Arriving on stage dressed in a vibrant red and peach tulle gown adorned with sequinned flames, she transitions into a comedic fireman persona with a playful outfit change. Her silk fan routine is a standout feature, with the sunset red to orange fans fluttering like flames and adding a vibrant, dynamic element to her humorous and engaging performance. Brandy’s ability to infuse comedy into her fire show routine provides a refreshing twist, demonstrating her versatility and keen sense of theatricality.
Nikita commands the stage with a performance that blends fierce energy and skillful artistry. Donning black parachute pants and shiny lace-up platform stiletto boots, she begins with a sultry floor routine to Nickelback’s Something In Your Mouth, showcasing her flexibility and dexterity. The act takes a dramatic turn as she wields a fire samurai sword with both power and precision. Nikita’s combination of intense floor work, dynamic swordplay, and her cheeky, confident demeanor makes her performance a captivating display of strength and sensuality.
In a last-minute but triumphant save, host Lyra la Belle steps in with an improvised audience participation act after a performer cancellation. Dressed in a black sequinned lingerie set and red strappy pumps, Lyra’s hot and heavy chair routine with a lucky audience member is a playful and intimate performance. Her quick thinking and ability to engage the crowd ensure the show’s momentum continues, further solidifying her status as a beloved figure in the burlesque scene.
Ben Jenkins, also affectionately known as “Sexy Ben” or “Benny J”, delivers an impressive showcase of fire flow, demonstrating his mastery of the art with a performance that seamlessly combines precision and flair. Dressed in a black and gold Changshan top and repping his signature man bun, Ben’s routine features a masterful performance with rope darts and a double-ended fire staff. His precision and expertise with the fire props are reminiscent of a Jedi’s finesse with a lightsaber. Ben’s performance is a testament to his skill and dedication, leaving the audience in awe of his commanding presence and technical prowess.
Inferno: July Edition once again proves why it is a must-attend event, consistently raising the bar with its diverse range of performances and unparalleled talent. The production’s unique blend of fire arts, burlesque and cabaret, coupled with its devout cult following, ensures that each installment is an unforgettable experience. Held on the last Friday of every month at Nineteen Ten, Inferno continues to dazzle and inspire. Be sure not to miss the next fiery extravaganza on Friday 30 August—click here to grab your tickets while they’re hot!
Inferno: July Edition
Date: Friday 26 July | 8pm
Location: Nineteen Ten, 143 Hindley Street, Adelaide SA 5000
Rating: ★★★★1/2
The Adelaide Insider 