Big Day Out Burlesque invites audiences to revel in a vibrant celebration of the golden age of Australian music festivals, where the spirit of Big Day Out—which ruled the scene from 1992 to 2014—comes alive once more. Set against the eclectic backdrop of the Woodshed in Royal Park, this production fits right in amongst the dive bar’s pool tables, pinball machines and walls adorned with iconic gig posters. Under the creative direction of the talented Curvella, a beloved figure in the burlesque community and a passionate music lover, this production promises an electrifying blend of captivating performances that honour both the artistry of burlesque and the thrill of live music. Following the show’s successful debut in July of this year, this second installment features a dynamic mix of familiar faces and fresh talent, taking audiences on an exhilarating ride through Big Day Out music festival history, reimagined through the captivating lens of burlesque.
Dressed as a chaotic “party animal” complete with a pair of iconic shutter sunglasses that people once flocked in droves to buy at Jay Jays, the effervescent Billie Duncan brings an infectious energy to the stage as host for the evening’s shenanigans. Effortlessly engaging the crowd with their playful banter, iconic dance moves (“cutting shapes” has never looked so good), and nostalgic anecdotes about past Big Day Out experiences, Billie’s skillful ability to hype up each act creates a palpable excitement in the room, ensuring the audience is fully immersed in the show from start to finish.
The night opens with a dazzling display of skill as Skip, National Champion skilltoy player and professional yo-yo artist, takes to the stage. Performing to Grinspoon’s Champion, Skip captivates the audience with his intense focus and mastery of the yo-yo. What began as a childhood hobby transforms into an art form that breaks the rhythm of traditional burlesque, seamlessly introducing an element of surprise that puts the “variety” into this “variety cabaret show.” Skip’s performance is a masterclass in skill and precision, showcasing his ability to command the stage as he spins, twirls, and flicks the yo-yo with an effortless finesse that truly highlights his artistry.
Next up is Molly Morphine, Adelaide’s self-proclaimed premier party girl, who absolutely sparkles on stage and radiates unapologetic Barbie energy in a fabulous all-pink ensemble featuring a rhinestone corset, hot pink sequinned skirt and rainbow tutu. Strutting to Regurgitator’s Polyester Girl, Molly delivers a fun and flirty mix of dancing and lip-syncing, all while owning the stage with her infectious energy. With bubblegum pink hair that defies gravity and an embroidered pink parasol in hand, she transforms the stage into a whirlwind of vibrant colour – reminiscent of some of the many bold outfits that defined the Big Day Out festival in its heyday. Her captivating charisma and playful energy leave a lasting impression, making it impossible to take your eyes off her.
Letitia Stitch always knows how to make one hell of an entrance, and she does so yet again – this time by chugging an entire can of beer and crushing it in her hand before being crowned “Miss Behave” with a sparkling tiara, sash and a bouquet of flowers. Performing to Celebrity Skin by Hole, it seems as if Letitia’s act pays homage to the music video for Hole’s Miss World and the iconic cover of their 1994 album Live Through This, where frontwoman Courtney Love embodies a mascara-streaked pageant queen. As Letitia twirls around in circles, her long red tulle gown falls away to reveal a pink satin slip dress underneath. Her movements are both dramatic and graceful, culminating in a bold moment where she tears off her fishnet stockings to reveal a striking black two-piece set underneath. In a final act of rebellion, she snaps her crown in half and viciously rips her bouquet to shreds, embodying the rebellious spirit of the grunge genre.
Sebastian Wolf explodes onto the stage with an electrifying performance set to My People by The Presets. Clad in a striking black and neon green houndstooth ensemble, his meticulously crafted costume is illuminated by layers of glowsticks that create a mesmerising visual effect, making him look like a badass party demon as he moves through the crowd and owns the stage. Slowly peeling away his costume glowstick by glowstick, tossing each one into the audience, Sebastian blends theatricality with an exhilarating energy that keeps the audience absolutely enthralled. With every twist and turn, Sebastian showcases a flair for the dramatic, leaving a lasting impression that lingers long after his performance concludes.
Kalikah’s wildly hypnotic performance to Deftones’ Passenger is nothing short of a spectacular showcase of intensity and sensuality. Debuting an eye-catching new costume adorned with spiky metallic accents that shimmer under the stage lights, she captivates the audience from the moment she steps on stage with fire palms blazing. In a breathtaking display of skill, she balances a sword lit ablaze on her head while flawlessly executing the splits, demonstrating incredible control and poise. Her unique blend of gothic elements and traditional belly dance transforms the performance into a stunning visual feast, leaving the audience spellbound as she radiates mystique and embodies an otherworldly presence.
Sauntering onto the stage is the dynamic Holly X, who delivers an erotic performance to Blood Sugar Sex Magik by Red Hot Chili Peppers. Dressed in light blue distressed jeans, a black bralette, high heels and sporting her signature mischievous grin, Holly commands the stage with an undeniable presence. Her chair routines are a masterclass in dexterity and creativity, blending playful flair with impressive athleticism. Each twist and turn is executed with such precision that it feels as if she’s dancing to the very heartbeat of the music. As she flows through her movements with effortless ease, her seamless transition from a handstand – into a somersault – into the splits is a breathtaking display of flexibility that showcases her remarkable skill.
Next comes Curvella, the mastermind behind this high-octane production, and naturally, she graces the stage with her own captivating performance to All The Small Things by blink-182. Dressed as the iconic nurse from the cover of the band’s 1999 album, Enema of the State, she exudes a playful yet edgy vibe in her white latex nurse’s dress, complete with a matching nurse’s hat and blue latex gloves. With a cheeky smile, she tantalisingly peels off each latex glove, playfully engaging the crowd with some flirty audience participation. Curvella’s signature balloon swallowing act, where she comically inflates a long red balloon before seamlessly swallowing it whole, leaves everyone in a state of bewildered amusement. With her charismatic presence, infectious energy and drop dead gorgeous looks, it’s clear that Curvella embodies the spirit of the show, reinforcing her role as the creative force behind this unforgettable evening.
MissTaken Identity explodes onto the stage in a vibrant burst of colour and chaos, embodying the spirit of a human piñata. Her insanely creative costume, complete with colorful donkey ears, tasselled tail, and layers of crepe paper-like fabric, is a sight to behold. As she takes the stage to Breathe by The Prodigy, MissTaken Identity showcases her versatility and flair, seamlessly transitioning through multiple skills that prove she is a true jack of all trades. With a flick of her wrist, she wields silk fans, creating mesmerising patterns that dance in the air. She then shows off her skills in glowstringing, sending thick glowsticks soaring around her like shooting stars. To top it off, she whips out a rainbow LED hula hoop, the lights illuminating her movements in a stunning visual display. Honestly, what can’t MissTaken Identity do?!
Mac Galleon struts confidently onto the stage, embodying the playful spirit of Pretty Fly (For a White Guy) by The Offspring. Clad in a blue and yellow jersey shirt emblazoned with “69″ on its front, a thick gold chain around his neck, and a red cap perched atop his head, he perfectly captures the essence of the song’s humorous commentary. As he enthusiastically rips off layers of his outfit one by one (who knew you could wear so many layers of tearaway pants!), his infectious energy radiates through the room. Mac’s vibrant personality and high-energy moves bring a lively energy to the stage that grabs everyone’s attention.
Moisty Magic takes the night to dark and thrilling heights with a spinetingling final act set to the haunting strains of Enter Sandman by Metallica. Dressed in a sheer black bodysuit adorned with shimmering rhinestones, thigh high black platform stilettos, and a black collar strapped across their face and body, Moisty exudes an otherworldly, ungoldly presence. As the music builds, Moisty begins to toss and turn beneath a dark blanket, building a sense of eerie anticipation. With a dramatic flourish, they throw off the blanket, revealing their fierce persona as they lick their long, taloned gloves, embodying the demonic spirit of a creature from your wildest nightmares (or should I say… wildest fantasies). Their floorwork is both mesmerising and haunting, crawling and twisting across the stage with unnerving grace before tearing open a giant teddy bear, spilling its stuffing to unveil a hidden angle grinder. The sparks fly dramatically as they use the grinder on metal plates strapped to their body, illuminating the stage in a dazzling display that perfectly matches the intensity of the music. Moisty Magic doesn’t just perform; they transport the audience into a thrilling, dark fantasy that lingers long after their act ends.
In its second iteration, Big Day Out Burlesque is a nostalgia-fuelled, striptease-themed trip back to an era of big lineups and even bigger energy, evoking blissful memories of Big Day Out festivals from days of yore. Curvella has truly outdone herself with this production, bringing together a stellar lineup of both beloved returning performers and fresh new talent. The electrifying acts set against a backdrop of iconic music create a euphoric atmosphere that resonates deeply with both burlesque enthusiasts and nostalgic festival revellers alike. Congratulations to Curvella for curating another sold-out show, proving that the spirit of Big Day Out continues to thrive through the art of burlesque.
Big Day Out Burlesque
Date: Saturday 28 September | 7pm
Location: Woodshed, 13/2 Brandwood Street, Royal Park SA 5014
Rating: ★★★★★
The Adelaide Insider 