This is not just your average feather fan burlesque show (though there is one act using the classic burlesque prop), it's more an extravaganza of dance, vocal talent, intricate costume design and burlesque pop.
Miss Polly Rae is a UK burlesque star who's in a class of her own. Her live singing will enthral you, her acting is top notch and her dancing is fluid and sensual. And of of course on top of that she's an absolute stunner.
Polly Rae and the Hurly Burly Girlys show originates from London's West End, and this is their first time coming to Australia.
This visual feast of glittering costumes, intricate characters, wonderful sense of humour, satirical observations and sensual spectacle will hit you with envy and awe. These burlesque artistes are in amazing shape. And with their dance technique, singing ability and characterisations, they're athletes, models, dancers and actors all rolled into one pert body.
The whole show is entertaining, funny and artistically beautiful. The choreography is a stand out for me – it's one of the things I always look out for in any show. And it positively wowed me. The choreographic style is classy, exciting, comedic and lyrical. Being a dancer (and some time choreographer) myself, I was left feeling inspired and amazed.
One of the main Hurly Burly Girlys is Kitty Bang Bang, who not only dances in pointe shoes, but is also a fire-eating, vodka-swigging firecracker of a dancer. Overall, the technique of the girls surprised me. You could tell immediately that they're all trained - whether it's in ballet, jazz or tap.
I also enjoy the satire underlying some of the acts - like the artificial, cocaine-infused fashion world. The performance is witty, yet playful. And the modern take on a cabaret and burlesque blows my mind.
Another treat is special guest star Amazing Ari, an aerialist who performs two acts - one on a hoop and one using a rope. His strength and masculinity is impressive and unexpected.
With showstopping props and costumes, this burlesque show is non-stop fun. Colour, vibrancy and the beauty of the female form interlace into a mesmerizing and unforgettable evening.
You even get to learn what it is to be a burlesque artiste. Miss Polly Rae sings about how a burlesque dancer isn't a stripper - she's an actress who seduces the audience with her eyes. And I'm definitely convinced. Within the first five minutes of her performance, Miss Polly Rae won me over.
The musical arrangements are also worth a mention. From burlesque versions of a Michael Jackson classic and Britney Spears tune to Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Australia's own Kylie Minogue, An Evening with Polly Rae is an engaging homage to pop music.
Looking at this for over an hour with a CD on repeat
I cannot stress enough how much you should watch this show. Even the delayed start (50 minutes late, to be exact) didn't leave a negative impression in my mind. So worth the wait.
An Evening with Miss Polly Rae & The Hurly Burly Girlys is showing at the Factory Theatre in Marrickville until 15 January. There's also a one-off show in Auckland on 21 January.
