Fresh from touring the globe, and picking up the award for ‘Best Cabaret’ at Perth’s notorious Fringe World, the legendary YUMMY is back in Melbourne for Fringe! YUMMY shows have become synonymous with artistic Melbourne drag, circus and world-class burlesque. Their latest show YUMMY DELUXE is polished to a shine.
The multi-award winning (and fabulously dressed) ensemble is led by artistic director and producer of Yummy, Valerie Hex (James Welsby). Joining Hex on stage is dancer and performance artist Benjamin “Bendy” Hancock, dance and drag artist Jandruze, singer Joni in the Moon, dazzling burlesque showgirl Zelia Rose and self-proclaimed circus sweetheart Hannie Helsden.
Tightly choreographed and flawless dance numbers are packed throughout the night, though it was the quirky, comedic and truly batshit crazy acts that stole the show. When an adult-sized baby crawled onto stage, the audience finally understood that this wasn’t going to be a normal kind of cabaret. It was made all the more obvious during Jandruze’s perplexing yet unforgettable human sandwich act, which crescendos with the performer guzzling mayonnaise while sitting on top of a confused looking audience member. YUMMY shows have a unique sense of gender balance and fluidity which is so often missed in the traditional drag space or gay bars, especially when it comes to women in drag.
Other special mentions go to Hannie Helsden gyrating dozens of hula hoops around her body like it was no big deal, and the energy exuded from Zelia Rose during her classic burlesque feather dance. Also, without giving anything away you’ll never hear Prince’s When Doves Cry the same way again after witnessing Valerie Hex’s daggy magical act.
YUMMY DELUXE is fierce, exciting and unapologetically camp. Don’t miss it.
