As winter’s chill fades into memory, Inferno: August Edition blazes a fiery farewell to the cold with an electrifying showcase of Australia’s premier fire performers, burlesque stars and cabaret acts. Held on Adelaide’s ultimate rooftop venue Nineteen Ten, August’s edition of Inferno transforms the rooftop into a searing spectacle of heat and artistry. With its dazzling blend of scorching talent and sultry entertainment, Inferno once again proves why it’s the hottest ticket in town.
Host Alex de Porteous sets the stage alight with their distinctive blend of dry humour and sharp wit. As one of Adelaide’s long-time renowned cabaret performers on the scene, Alex’s quick quips and irreverent charm keep the energy high and the audience entertained, seamlessly guiding the show through its fiery spectacle.
Nikita kicks off the night with a dynamic performance that showcases her growing expertise. Dancing to Flume and MAY-A’s Say Nothing, Nikita transitions effortlessly between fire palms, chalices and a dragon staff, demonstrating a versatile command of fire props. Her black lingerie ensemble accentuates her confident and polished display, highlighting her impressive evolution as a performer. Nikita’s ability to switch between different fire tools with finesse proves her status as a versatile talent on the rise.
Lit Venam captivates with an act that merges sorcery and fire. Performing to Cannons’ Spells, Lit Venam manipulates a double-ended fire baton with seemingly invisible strings, creating an enchanting illusion of levitation. His act is a mesmerising blend of skill and illusion, leaving the audience spellbound with his otherworldly flair. Lit Venam’s ethereal performance transforms the stage into a realm of magic and wonder.
Phoebe Ophidia delivers a performance brimming with comedic charm and showcasing her versatility and range as a performer. In a nod to her past as a Junior MasterChef competitor, Phoebe arrives on stage in a full chef’s uniform, complete with a makeshift kitchen where she cooks an egg omelette. The act takes a playful turn when a toy rat, perched atop her head as a reference to the Disney Pixar movie Ratatouille, seemingly takes control of her every move. The rat’s “guidance” sends Phoebe into a seductive fire fan routine, stripping off her chef’s uniform to reveal fiery red lingerie underneath. Phoebe’s inventive act is a delightful mix of culinary antics and fiery prowess, blending comedy and sensuality in a way only she can.
Ember Rose enchants the audience with a floral-themed act set to Rain from The Suicide Squad soundtrack. Dressed in a flowing pink robe, Ember’s performance combines delicate fire effects with a graceful striptease, culminating in a stunning shower scene where she tosses a flaming bouquet into a bathtub. Her act is a beautiful exploration of femininity and fire, executed with elegance and flair. Ember’s act seamlessly weaves together visual beauty and captivating fire effects, creating a mesmerising experience.
Selena Sol makes a striking entrance with her flaming crown and fire hula hoop. To Billie Eilish’s you should see me in a crown, Selena’s performance highlights her exceptional skill with the flaming hoop. Her act is a dazzling display of fire hula hoop mastery, blending effortless grace with fiery spectacle. Selena’s unflinching dedication to her craft ensures that her performances are always a spectacular highlight, and tonight’s performance is one of her most polished routines we’ve seen from her so far!
Braydon J. Taylor impresses with his modern magician’s flair. Performing to Austin Giorgio’s You Put a Spell On Me, Braydon’s routine includes classic card tricks and a “zombie ball” act, where he seemingly makes a disco ball float in mid-air beneath a silk cloth. His sleight of hand and captivating stage presence adds a touch of enchantment to the evening, showcasing his skillful illusionism and captivating the audience with his mystical charm.
Eddie Embers brings a high-energy act to the stage with her performance set to Bring Me The Horizon’s Top 10 StaTuses tHat CriEd bloOd. Dressed in Inferno merch and a black bodysuit, Eddie spins double-ended fire batons and wields a fire dragon staff with explosive flair. Her choreography, paired with the fast-paced alternative rock song, highlights her impressive fire-spinning abilities and infectious enthusiasm. Eddie’s dynamic routine injects an electrifying burst of energy into the show.
Lily LaRoy makes an unforgettable debut with a glamorous burlesque act. Arriving in a glittering red halterneck gown, Lily’s transformation into a shimmering rhinestone-encrusted lingerie set is a stunning display of vintage showgirl elegance. Her act perfectly captures the allure and charm of classic burlesque, making a memorable impression on the audience. Lily’s debut showcases her ability to embody the timeless glamour and sophistication of vintage burlesque.
Ioannis also makes a standout debut with a creative fusion of male burlesque choreography and fire manipulation. Dressed in a stylish waistcoat, bowtie and fedora, Ioannis combines fire palms, fans and a dramatic fire sword routine. His innovative choreography and charismatic stage presence promise a bright future, making his debut a noteworthy highlight of the evening. Ioannis’s fresh approach and engaging performance set a high bar for future acts.
Icarus delivers a profound and visually striking performance. Exploring the theme of ageing, Icarus begins in a grandmotherly costume before transitioning to a breathtaking aerial hoop act. Their portrayal of what seems to be a fallen angel, complete with a feathery bralette with clipped wings, adds emotional depth to their already captivating routine. Icarus’ performance resonates with both poignancy and spectacle, leaving a lasting impression.
Looking like an otherworldly vision and channelling all the witchy vibes, Striga casts a spell over audiences with an enchanting display of fire artistry. Performing to We Are the Fallen’s Sleep Well, My Angel, Striga’s act features a captivating combination of fire S-staffs and fire fans. Her masterful fire manipulation and emotional intensity create a spellbinding performance, leaving the audience mesmerised by her bewitching presence.
Holly X delivers a sensational performance that combines the art of seduction with fire artistry, set to the moody, atmospheric tones of Opr by Gesaffelstein. Arriving with a lit cigarette in hand and draped in a dramatic black pleather trench coat, Holly’s act evolves into a sultry chair routine, impeccable floor work and a mesmerising fire samurai sword display. Her insane flexibility and polished execution, paired with her fiery finale, make her performance a standout highlight of the evening. Holly’s ability to blend sultry moves with intense fire effects creates a truly unforgettable act.
Jazida is the interstate headliner for this edition of Inferno, and she certainly goes out with a bang. With an electrifying display of her many impressive skills, Jazida begins by lighting the front of her black feathery corset on fire, a dramatic reveal reminiscent of The Hunger Games, which causes it to fall away and unveil a dazzling black and rainbow rhinestoned bodysuit underneath. Her act is a whirlwind of flames, from wielding fire batons and blowing flames, to performing intricate tricks with butane bubbles and spinning fire batons. Each element of her performance demonstrates her mastery of both burlesque and fire arts, leaving the audience in awe of her fierce talent and theatrical flair.
Inferno: August Edition once again proves to be a testament to the talent and creativity of Australia’s fire performance and burlesque scene. Held on the last Friday (or should we say “Fireday”) of every month at Nineteen Ten, August’s sold-out show showcased an exceptional lineup of talent, featuring a masterful blend of fire manipulation, burlesque, magic, and cabaret. With a mix of seasoned performers and exciting newcomers, Inferno remains a must-see event. Don’t miss the next fiery extravaganza—grab your tickets for Inferno: September Edition here and experience the heat for yourself!
Inferno: August Edition
Date: Friday 30 August | 8pm
Location: Nineteen Ten, 143 Hindley Street, Adelaide SA 5000
Rating: ★★★★1/2
The Adelaide Insider 