Get ready to enter a world where fire meets fantasy at Inferno: October Edition, affectionately dubbed the Halloween Edition – a spellbinding spectacle that promises to ignite your senses! This thrilling event transforms Adelaide’s premier rooftop bar Nineteen Ten into a haven of devilish delight and spine-tingling entertainment. Featuring one of the largest lineups in Inferno’s history, the evening boasts fifteen mesmerising acts that each showcase their sensational skills in the art of fire performing, burlesque and cabaret. The air is electric with excitement, setting the perfect stage for an unforgettable night brimming with tantalising talent that will give you goosebumps in the best way possible.
Hosting this thrilling soirée is the irrepressible Alex De Porteous, renowned Adelaide cabaret artist, MC and self-proclaimed “professional hot mess.” With bucketloads of charisma and wit to boot, Alex effortlessly guides the audience through the evening’s spooky escapades, ensuring that everyone feels welcomed into this world of fiery fantasy. Their playful banter and infectious energy light up the room, making them the perfect caretaker for such a delightfully chaotic affair.
Ash by Ash is first to step onto the stage, exuding the mystique of a modern-day sorcerer in his flowing black trench coat and sleek ensemble as the haunting sounds of Woop Baby by Letherette and I Put a Spell on You by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins fill the evening air. He wields a fire levitation wand that seems to defy gravity, its flames flickering dramatically as he spins it around him with effortless grace. At times, his speed makes the invisible string nearly undetectable, creating a mesmerizing illusion that the wand floats purely by his command. The audience is entranced, captivated by Ash’s skillful blend of fire and artistry, as he transforms the performance space into a realm of magic and wonder.
To the pulsating beats of Kill of the Night by Gin Wigmore, Eddie Embers captivates the audience with a cannibalistic act that takes the word “maneater” to the next level. Dragging a fake corpse tightly wrapped in black garbage bags onto the stage, she plunges her hands into the body to reveal a collection of macabre props – severed hands, a heart, intestines – each one erupting with bursts of blood that spurt into the air and splatter all over her. As she discards the grotesque body parts into the bathtub serving as her cauldron, she playfully seasons them with salt and pepper, transforming the stage into her sinister kitchen. The moment peaks as she sets her cauldron alight, sending two two blazing flames roaring to life in a stunning display before she presents the well cooked intestines on a silver platter and takes a big old bite. Eddie’s performance is a devilishly delightful feast to watch – and yes, cannibal pun definitely intended.
Embodying the quintessential spirit of Halloween, Phoebe Ophidia struts onto the stage as a sultry black cat: a timeless symbol of spooky season. Dressed in a sleek sleeveless catsuit and long glovettes, her cute spacebuns, cat ears and purrfect makeup—complete with whiskers—set the scene for her playful performance. Her movements are feline as she prowls across the stage with a set of fire palms before igniting a pair of double-ended fire batons, sending sparks flying in a dazzling display, twinkling like stars in the night sky. She then unveils a unique fire chair routine, where each leg is adorned with a flickering flame. While a brief wobble occurs as she balances on the chair’s back, she recovers with effortless flair, turning the moment into a playful highlight. Phoebe’s adventurous spirit and character-driven acts never fail to entertain and delight, and this spooky yet sensual act is certainly no exception.
Stepping onto the stage with electrifying energy, Selena Sol and Ioannis command the attention of audiences as a dynamic duo, their chemistry palpable and their synchronicity stunning. Adorned in tribal warpaint, Ioannis dons a white shendyt, while Selena sparkles in a short brown skirt and shimmering gold bra. The pair ignites the atmosphere with their fire palms, dancing in perfect harmony, blending power and emotion effortlessly. As their routine evolves from a romantic dance into an exhilarating battle, Selena disarms Ioannis, igniting a dramatic fire samurai sword. The intensity builds as she skillfully wields a fire dagger, ultimately conquering him and sending him splashing into the rooftop pool in a triumphant victory. This standout performance showcases not only Ioannis’s impressive return since his debut in Inferno: August Edition, but also highlights Selena’s immense growth as an artist and performer. Their meticulous choreography and captivating presence make this act a true highlight of the evening!
With a spine-tingling remix of the Stranger Things theme song echoing through the venue, Trixie Orsum bursts onto the stage, channeling a mysterious yet intriguing cold blooded creature of the night. Clad in a striking reptilian mask and a green bodysuit, Trixie begins lip-syncing to the chilling dialogue of Psycho by Muse, playfully wielding a fake machete as he threatens the audience with a mischievous glint in his eye. The tension escalates as he expertly juggles two gleaming daggers, their seemingly sharp blades reflecting the stage lights with a menacing shimmer. In a dramatic reveal, Trixie unzips his green suit, shedding his reptilian skin to unveil a dazzling black and white sequinned bodysuit adorned with skeleton leggings. The act crescendos as he ignites a fire staff, showcasing an impressive twirling routine that has the audience spellbound. True to his name, Trixie Orsum’s tricks are indeed awesome, leaving everyone enthralled and eager for more!
Foxy Roxie sets the stage ablaze her sultry charm, embodying a naughty nurse in a risque short white dress accented with glittery red details and paired with striking red platform heels. She kicks off her classic burlesque routine to the iconic Fever by Peggy Lee, playfully checking the temperature of a lucky audience member with a thermometer—things are definitely heating up! With effortless grace, she saunters through the crowd, revealing a stunning red shimmering three-piece set. Her erotic floor routine showcases her impressive flexibility, capturing the audience’s attention as she effortlessly flows through her movements. As the performance escalates, she brandishes two fire batons, tracing the flickering flames along her limbs before sealing her act with a jaw-dropping finale—extinguishing a flame at the end of one baton with her mouth. Foxy Roxie leaves everyone in awe, truly going out with a bang!
Dorian Courtisan embodies Herbert West from Re-Animator, bringing to life the iconic mad scientist character with a thrilling blend of horror and humour. Under the glow of the stage lights, their long white lab coat—splashing with neon green—captures the audience’s attention as they inject a corpse on stage with a syringe filled with mysterious liquid. To the eccentric beat of Weird Science by Oingo Boingo, Dorian sheds the lab coat to reveal a striking white ensemble adorned with glittering red blood splatters. With a playful twist, the corpse begins to caress Dorian as the soundtrack transitions into Celine Dion’s It’s All Coming Back to Me Now. Shedding their frizzy white wig to reveal a sleek neon green hairdo, Dorian straddles the reanimated corpse before ending the act in a passionate embrace – there’s nothing that quite compares to the love of a mad scientist and their greatest creation.
Starling Strix takes the stage as the enigmatic Mothman, embodying the legendary half-man, half-moth cryptid with theatrical flair and unparalleled creativity. Their stunning costume features a striking purple headpiece adorned with glowing red eyes, moth antennae and glittery fangs, complemented by a magnificent purple and black cape reminiscent of a Monarch butterfly’s wings. Starling’s movements are moth-like as eerie audio clips about the urban legend of the Mothman play, even humorously moving toward a fire baton held by fellow performer Phoebe Ophidia—truly bringing the phrase “like a moth to a flame” to life. As the haunting soundtrack transitions to the playful beats of LIA LIA’s I’m a Moth!!, the performance culminates in a dynamic floor routine, where Starling sheds their furry vest and bloomers to reveal eye-catching red pastie tassels and “assels”, ultimately finishing with their wings fully extended, embodying Mothman in all their fantastical splendor.
Nikita ignites the stage with an electrifying homage to Harley Quinn, capturing the character’s cheeky essence with her striking costume—a red and white crop top emblazoned with “Daddy’s Lil Monster” paired with half-red, half-blue shorts and fishnet. As she brandishes a baseball bat, the infectious playfulness of her character shines through. Her routine seamlessly transitions into mesmerising floorwork, where her flexibility and dexterity become evident. The stage is transformed into a dramatic scene as Nikita leans back into a bathtub, the shower cascading over her like a cleansing ritual. In a bold move, she produces a mini Joker doll, stomping it into submission before summoning a fire dagger that she manipulates with grace. The act crescendos as she lights butane bubbles aflame in her hand and uses a fire torch to create massive fire circles that dance around her, closing her performance with a breathtaking spectacle.
Icarus emerges next, flaming lantern in hand, embodying a raw, emotional energy as the brooding melody of Behind My Eyes by Apashe ft. LIA resounds throughout the rooftop stage. Their costume—a striking combination of black denim, leather straps, and a flowing white shirt—evokes the eerie essence of an undead pirate. As Icarus takes a swig from a small bottle around their neck, the stage is set for an intense fire fans routine. With every swing of their lit samurai swords, they slice through the chilly air, each movement charged with emotion. As they fall to their knees, the scene intensifies with the arrival of Inferno team member Ben, who complicates the narrative by stealing the swords and kicking Icarus down to the ground. The act concludes with Icarus taking another swig from their bottle, leaving the audience in suspense, wondering about the story behind this captivating character.
Striga’s entrance is nothing short of otherworldly. Clad in a golden swirling chestplate and an ethereal black skirt, she embodies the ultimate sorceress. Her dramatic mask and spiky headpiece amplify her ungodly presence, drawing the audience into her spell. As the haunting melodies of Hollow Veil by Darkher and the powerful Half God Half Devil by In This Moment fill the air, she sensually swirls her fire cage poi, her movements mimicking the sinuous dance of snakes as each flick of her wrist sends flames soaring. The flickering candles of her witch’s altar ignite as she brings forth a small yet mighty fire torch, creating a visual feast of swirling fire that captivates and enchants. Striga’s act is a masterclass in merging the mystical with the fiery, leaving spectators in awe of her sorceress prowess.
Ember Rose takes the stage draped in a long white priest’s robe, her presence striking as she embraces her darker side with tousled black hair. With a pair of magnificent black angel’s wings unfurling at the climax of her song, she transitions seamlessly from angel to devil. The soundtrack—a powerful journey from Castle by Halsey to Call Me Devil by Friends in Tokyo, culminating in Blood // Water by grandson—enhances this narrative as it unfolds dramatically. This narrative unfolds dramatically as she battles with fellow performer Starling Strix, who embodies “God”. The reveal of Ember’s black devil’s horns adds a layer of intrigue, while her sultry floorwork and powerful choreography are utterly hypnotic. As she steps into the bathtub, pouring a chalice of fake blood over herself, the shower that follows symbolises a cleansing of sins.
In her dazzling debut, Meeksy Flows showcases an impressive blend of juggling and fire manipulation. Dressed in a striking black PVC corset and sheer embroidered skirt, she commands attention from the first moment. Set against the backdrop of Sinner by Of Virtue and Welcome To Horrorwood by ICE NINE KILLS, her performance pulsates with energy. Despite a few stumbles, her grace and determination shine through as she juggles a multitude of white balls, winning over audiences with her persistence and perseverance. The fire batons she wields are a sight to behold, demonstrating her adeptness at both juggling and fire flow. As she breathes fire, it appears as if she channels a dragon, captivating the audience with her fiery breath.
Winchester Angel sends shivers down our spines with her absolutely breathtaking entrance, cloaked in a floor-length black velvet robe and wielding a colossal flaming scythe. Accompanied by a haunting rendition of O’ Death by Bobby Bass, which transitions into a playful cover of WAP and finally Breakfast by Dove Cameron, her act takes the audience on an unexpected journey. Her act begins with a humorous twist as the sound of a Tinder notification disrupts the dramatic atmosphere – giving new meaning to the phrase “flirting with death”. As the music shifts, she sheds her robe, performing a sultry routine while swiping on her phone, blending seduction with dark humour. The embodiment of the Grim Reaper, she showcases an astonishing costume with intricate pearl and rhinestone detailing that brings her skeleton-themed outfit to life. The energy escalates as she interacts with Ben, setting fire to his arm before dramatically swallowing the flame of her fire palms. Winchester Angel’s performance is a thrilling blend of comedy and artistry, leaving the audience both entertained and entranced.
Emi Lou wraps up the night with an electrifying finale. She sweeps onto the stage, her red cape swirling around her as she unveils her fierce costume—a black corset paired with a frilled skirt. The power and grace with which she wields her double-ended fire batons are awe-inspiring, each movement exuding confidence and control. The soulful cover of Crazy by Nothing But Thieves enhances the emotional weight of her performance as she rolls a dragon staff across her body, showcasing her mastery of fire flow. As the performance escalates, the intensity builds, culminating in a stunning display of skill and artistry. Emi’s powerful closing act is the perfect way to end a night filled with wonder, leaving the audience in rapturous applause.
As the final embers fade and the applause resonates throughout the venue, Inferno: October Edition reaffirms its status as a must-see event in Adelaide’s vibrant fire performing, burlesque and cabaret scene. Each performer contributes a unique spark to this fiery extravaganza, ensuring the night is an unforgettable celebration of artistry and passion. Packed with raw talent and heat, the show offers exceptional value for money—fifteen diverse performers spanning three captivating segments, providing hours of entertainment. Producer Kraken has expertly curated a lineup that showcases both emerging talents and seasoned fire performers, allowing for a rich tapestry of skill and creativity. The upcoming Inferno: November Edition, set for Friday 29 November, promises to be just as thrilling, so be sure to secure your tickets early—this show is renowned for selling out every month!
Inferno: October Edition
Date: Friday 25 October | 8pm
Location: Nineteen Ten, 143 Hindley Street, Adelaide SA 5000
Rating: ★★★★★
The Adelaide Insider 