Let’s put all the cards on the table upfront and mention that Seedoeatreview has seen Inferno many, many times before at its home of Nineteen Ten. A show unlike any other, it showcases the best homegrown fire artist and burlesque talent from around South Australia, with some amazing interstate artists thrown in for good measure, to add some snap to the crackle and pop. Having said all that, I’ve never witnessed an Inferno like the one I witnessed at Gluttony on Friday night.
The Inferno show for the Adelaide Fringe is absolute fire. Utilising a bigger stage and more space in The May Wirth tent, each performer has seemingly cranked their performances up to eleven and delivers in every aspect of the show. A jaw-dropping opening act with the entire fire artist cast will grab your attention, before the captain of this nitro-fuelled ship MC Lyra Labelle brilliantly steers this show into uncharted Fringe territories. Newcomer Nikita and the outstanding Foxy Roxy left me stunned with their spectacular double act, before Nam Nguyen set the stage ablaze with his fire swords. And if you think the hour-long show slows down at all, you’d be wrong. On this night we were graced with the presence of the breathtaking burlesque dancer known as Evana De Lune. Her matador-like performance hypnotised the crowd much like a bull to a red cape. Another special guest came in the form of Sian Brigid, but let’s just say her act may not be one for the squeamish.
And, although I saw many of my favourite performers, such as Winchester Angel, Kraken, Jamie, and Nova, none touched my heart and had me on the verge of tears more than Icarus. Her personal story had the audience in silence at the beginning wondering where her performance was heading - until, much like her namesake, Icarus’s act lifted to a level of fiery proportions. The audible casts of amazement and raucous cheering from the audience nearly lifted the roof of the packed-out Gluttony tent.
Inferno is a show that belongs on the world stage. Created and produced by South Australians, it just goes to show the vast amount of talent we have here in this great state. Bring a fire extinguisher with you because this version of Inferno is out of control!
FIVE STARS *****
Reviewed by Shane Berketa