This show is a huge amount of fun. The wicked glances and salacious leers of the circus artists as they perform acrobatic acts on ropes and hanging cloth are as much fun as the banter of the outrageous host Fez Fa’anana.

The Idolize Spiegeltent is a star attraction on its own. The drapes, mirrors, panelling and woodwork combine to form a beautiful structure.

The acrobatics are intensely physical and graceful. There is also juggling, plate spinning and dancing and all performers are clowning around throughout the show. Such a small venue enhances the acrobatic display as you can see the effort & strength required to perform the various manoeuvres.

This is also an all male burlesque show with performers often stripping down to g-strings, sometimes while performing acrobatics on a rope, with the music pumping away. Their moves are performed with humour and flair. The show has no shortage of feathers, fluoro, heels and false eyelashes! Some of the performance is a bit rough & ready, but this suits this kind of entertainment. A slick approach would not have had the same charm.

You might expect a drag show to appeal to a limited audience but BRIEFS is performed with energy, wit and enthusiasm and the mixed audience was thoroughly entertained.

All credit to the cast; Mali de Goey, Fez Faanana, Natano Faanana, Davy Sampford, Lachy Shelly and Mark Winmill.

BRIEFS opened at the Idolize Spiegeltent, Prince Alfred Park, Parramatta on Friday 13th January and runs until Sunday 22nd January, 2012.

(c) Mark Pigott

16th January, 2012

Tags: Sydney Theatre Reviews- BRIEFS, Sydney Festival 2012, Idolize Spiegeltent, Mali de Goey, Fez Faanana, Natano Faanana, Davy Sampford, Lachy Shelly and Mark Winmill.