The Bordello Blues cabaret features enough lingerie for patrons to feel like they are having a saucy night out with their spouse while still keeping things safe enough that it could be a unique alternative to Friday night drinks with colleagues. For those still desiring an evening tipple, drinks were available in the Melba Spiegeltent bar. The show was designed to fit Fringe Festival schedules with an hour long run time, so even though it started 40 minutes late we were still out in time for more evening adventures.
Nikki Nouveau sings, narrates, and strips in her role as a French courtesan in love with one of her clients. Nouveau creates an alluring glimpse into bohemian Paris with rich colours and sumptuous textures on stage. She keeps the burlesque acts classic with a fan dance, shadow play, and a slow tease with gloves and thigh-high stockings.
image courtesy 3 Fates Media
The show description opens with ‘a night of kink and cabaret…’ However, vanilla audience members can put their minds at ease. The ‘fetish’ in this production is a blonde fondling a flogger. No bottoms bear the brunt of a bullwhip, and the only person suspended from the ceiling is a lithe ballerina in pink panties.
Dancer Simonne Smiles delivered a beautiful aerial number as The Other Woman with Damien Grima. Honourable mentions also go out to Cath Jamison for warming up the crowd with her entertaining magic acts and Natalija May for the lovely violin accompaniment.
There are some charming visuals in this production, or as my plus one put it, ‘nice buns.’ Come for a touch of Parisian magic and experience La Vie En Rose.
– Jenny
Jenny Schmidt is an event addict. She has participated in arts festivals on three different continents (plus a couple of islands). When she’s not attending live shows, you can find her sampling the latest craft beer or sipping a creative cocktail.
Nikki Nouveau’s bio boasts accomplishments in singing, cabaret, and burlesque. Her next show, ‘No Regrets – The Edith Piaf Story’ is Thursday 3rd March 2016 at Speakeasy HQ.
