The Burlesque Effect

Set in the bustling city of Sydney, emerging from the shadow of the World War II and reliant on trams as the mode of transport to many parts of the metropolis, The Burlesque Effect centres on the lives and loves of the exotic dancers of the Scarlett Lounge and their customers.

In bringing this piece to the stage, director Gillian Crowe and choreographer Tess Burke capture the atmosphere of the art of burlesque (striptease).

Leading her brood of strippers as the club owner and featured divester of clothing is Fleur, played with flair by Tracey Lord, boldly supported by Honey, Kate Boladian; Eva, Pia Bimbi;  Lizzy, Gai Byrne and Junice, Annie Crestani, with Denis Watkins as the flamboyantly gay M.C. Thomas.

The customers: Trevor Love, Clinton Brett and the hopelessly smitten Rob Griffiths (who has a pregnant wife, Amanda-Lee Weatherby) are caught in the seedy world of Adult Entertainment.

The highlight of the show is undoubtedly the Burlesque costumes, ranging from sequined sheathes to sparkling corsets with feathered headgear and beaded g-strings and pasties, which are discarded with finesse.

The small stage at Javeenbah was cramped, with multiple scenes permanently set. The lighting complemented the mood of the play.

Roger McKenzie