A gaggle of Australia’s most talented burlesque performers gather together to present Adelaide with comedic, sexy and sometimes outrageous burlesque routines, in a variety show with a little more “bent” funkiness than others. When it comes to Australian burlesque, it doesn’t get much better than the Fugly lineup of performers! These include creative mannequin-enthusiast, and “drag disruptor Clown in a gown”, Ruby Slippers, Melbourne-based (and model-like) fashion-creator and performer Adam Kassar, the appropriately self-proclaimed “exotic clown” and 2022 Miss Burlesque Australia Entertainer of the Year, Lucy Lovegun, and hailing all the way from WA, the curvaceously gorgeous and utterly adorable, Kitty Littéur. These performers come together to put on a show that is not quite like other burlesque performances, something instead that’s got more of a, say… funky hit to it - like the Pet Nat of sparkling wines. The night begins with performer Imogen Kelly, the Australian Queen of Burlesque, winner of the World Queen of Burlesque at The Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas, and the organiser of Fugly- Bent Burlesque. Her routine opens the show with an exciting, futuristic, Blade Runner-like cabaret experience as it incorporates neon clothing which are eventually (and titillatingly) replaced with glow-in-the-dark paint. All performances within the show are iconic in their own memorable way, but the remarkably unique, and outrageously creative, bogan burlesque routine from Lucy Lovegun must be highlighted (and proves exactly why she’s a major award-winner). From sensual grinding on a VB-filled esky, to keeping ciggies in the back of her G-string, plus a hilarious combination of nipple tassels and empty VB cans, it’s guaranteed that you’ve never seen anything like this. Another striking performance is from Imogen Kelly, and forewarned by the host to be a real ‘bent burlesque’ routine. Think the old-world glamour of an opaque night gown, white dress and elbow-length gloves, paired with an oozey chocolate bar, and the 1960’s song My Bathroom by Patt Stanton Gjonola which idiolises a woman’s bathroom as a safe, comfortable and luxurious beauty space. This is until a nasty smell and its ghastly cause creates chaos, alongside intrusive thoughts of the performer winning leading to laughably gross actions. Hosting the night of weird and wonderful burlesque is the huge personality of Sydney-based cabaret performer, and the self-proclaimed ‘trash mum’ of night, Tash York. It’s NEVER a dull time when Tash is around as she regales the audience with entertaining tales, including her bogan years in Queensland, and also bravely downs a Kings Cup made from audience contributions – Tash is never one to shy away from a challenge! The outfits throughout the night range from delightfully feminine to memorably fierce, including a red bustier covered in “F**k You” text, stunningly-detailed corsets, towering platform heels, romantic lingerie, and a truly opulent array of nipple tassels, plus Tash’s black, sequined cape-like jacket, with a distinctive trimming of Coles plastic shopping bags. A highlight must also be made of performer Adam’s haute-couture-like costume, with its detailed ribbon backing, leather hip-accentuator, nipped-in corset, and tailored-to-perfection cropped jacket. This memorable outfit is paired with flawless makeup and simplistic, high-fashion hair, resulting in a look well deserving of a Vogue cover! Fugly- Bent Burlesque is a sensual, comedic, and raucously ‘bent’ night out at the Adelaide Fringe, so prepare yourself for a burlesque variety show that is as enjoyably bizarre as it is fabulous, while jam-packed with talented performers.