Miss Bettie Bombshell’s After Hours Cabaret Club easily makes the The Plus Ones’ where-to-go-on-a-second-date shortlist. The venue, Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, is all what a jazz club should be: intimate, cozy, tables right up to the stage, relaxed atmosphere, easy access to fine drink (and cheese platters).
When you pair it with a show that is ‘dangerously debauched, scandalously sophisticated, and outrageously unpredictable’, it is one hell of an ice-breaker.
Any prudes will be titillated, and you will find yourself laughing uproariously, dancing with cast and audience, and maybe even having your forehead licked.
The evening is a mélange of vaudeville, circus acts, cabaret, and lots of burlesque. There are mimes, a dreamy house jazz band, a cracking singer / MC, Miss Burlesque Australia (and Mr. Boylesque Australia!), sexy bodies of all shapes, and A LOT of twirling nipple tassels!
This is a taste of what I experienced with my plus one: a lap dance by Miss Hollywood Burlesque winner, in a lion onesie — to the tune of ‘Hakuna Matata’. Fritz the Flying Flea (and accompanying circus act with novelty-sized cannon). The statuesque Porcelain Alice, mixing art deco with fire-swallowing. Old time jazzy tunes blended with dubstep. Unnatural acts performed with metalwork and nostrils. Tasteful side-boob. Synchronised burlesque dancing. Daring feats of seductive hoola-hooping. Balloon sculptures. The whole room dancing with the artists to a beautiful cover of Lionel Richie.
In the words of one of the (many cheering) audience, this was the best live show he’s ever seen. I get to see a lot as a writer, and certainly plenty of fine cabaret, but this one show stands out for being SO MUCH FUN.
– Christian
Christian G. is an international man of mystery; lover of books, cats and the performing arts; moonlighting as a finance professional by day.
After Hours Cabaret Club is taking their show on the road to the Adelaide Fringe in 2017, and hopefully back for more performances in Melbourne at the Bennetts Lane Jazz Club.
