Type – Cabaret Variety Show: Circus, Drag, Burlesque & more
If you liked – Hot Department, Blanc de Blanc, Our Flag Means Death
A high energy, chaotic and camp variety cabaret
Briefs: The Works is a fun, cheeky and energetic night; a fusion of cabaret, comedy and circus that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s definitely more about having a good time than delivering a perfectly polished theatrical production.
There’s something quite refreshing about the looseness of the show, which had me pondering: can hula hoops be funny?
Spontaneous and playful with the performers clearly enjoying themselves, feeding off the energy from the audience and each other. At times, the stage feels a little rough around the edges, particularly when individual performers are carrying an entire act on their own. Some of the solo performances don’t quite have the same impact as the larger, ensemble numbers. The work definitely relies more on personality than tightly choreographed precision and while the lack of polished edges can occasionally be noticeable, it isn’t necessarily a bad thing
The energy kicks up a notch whenever more of the cast come together, with the group numbers having a strong sense of energy and movement – a highlight of the evening. For ensemble pieces, there’s a real chemistry between the performers when sharing the stage, and the larger scale numbers kick the momentum into overdrive. So much so you lose focus on where to look, and become overwhelmed in the best way possible.
Each week, Briefs: The Works welcomes a special guest, and we were lucky enough to have Jess Love on opening night. Their performance had a combination of confidence, charisma, and well timed ‘mistakes’ which really grabbed everyone’s attention. Love’s performance is a genuine highlight, and was used sparingly enough to really make you want more. And yes, I can confirm, hula hoops can make your ribs hurt with laughter.
Director and co-founder Fez Faanana hosts the evening as his drag alter ego, Shivannah. Faanana’s charm and stage presence makes the entire crowd feel part of the family and continuously encourages a shared sense of community. Most refreshing was their acknowledgement of country. All too often you hear the same pre-recorded message before a show which has almost become a box to tick rather than a genuine acknowledgment of the people who are the land’s first performers and story tellers and this was not the case for Briefs: The Works.
Is SHOW Worth Seeing in PLACE?
Overall, Briefs: The Works is an enjoyable and camp night out with personality to boot (and heels). It may not have the technical polish or consistency of a highly refined cabaret production, but its raw and playful elements are also what makes it all that entertaining. A little bit of butch and a whole lot of camp, this show is at its best when the ensemble come together; bringing energy, chaos and genuine fun.
Tickets and Practical Info for BRIEFS: THE WORKS in MELBOURNE 🎟️
Playing at SPIEGEL HAUS MELBOURNE until 18 October
Cast and Performers
Fez Faanana as Shivannah (Host / MC / Director and co-founder)
Mark “Captain Kidd” Winmill (Co-founder and key creative, circus/burlesque/clown)
Luke Hubbard as Nastia (Acrobatics, drag, and aerial work)
Dylan Rodriguez as Serenity (Aerial silks and aerial straps)
Hollywould Star (Vocals and glamorous showgirl performances)
Rowan Thomas (Cyr wheel acrobatics)
Benjamin Stuart-Carberry as Benjamin Butterfly (Pole dancing and aerials)
Benjamin Hancock as Bendy Ben (Drag and gymnastics)
Shenae White (Stage Manager)Add info here
