Being a brand-new visitor to the Aphrodite Lounge venue, I was not sure what to expect. But the warm greetings and good spirits that I received set the tone for what turned out to be a fabulous evening. With burlesque, boylesque, drag and pole dancing on the menu, it seemed as if the Peaches and Cream team had gone out of their way to make everybody feel included in this exotic show, and for the most part they did. And, with dancers leaving the stage and picking audience members to join them in their art, it gave everyone the chance to shine on stage… or GLOW, as the show title would suggest!

With Nona Mona taking the MCing duties for the night, I knew we were in good hands. She always brings a joyful, relaxed vibe to the stage. When it’s the opening night of the Adelaide Fringe, that’s what performers and audience members need to make for an enjoyable evening. I always admire the courage it takes to be the first performer onto the stage, and in Exotic Glow Fest it was Angel Evita. This sultry burlesque dancer has fan dancing in her repertoire and helped bring the Aphrodite Lounge crowd to life. Kicking it up a notch further came Winchester Angel. I’ve seen Winchester perform many times before; she’s an expert in bringing the crowd into the action and always makes sure that everybody gets a good view of her act. It was after this that the Exotic Glow Fest took an exciting turn. Lip-syncing and dancing from drag queen Dylan the Villain, a raunchy cowboy act from Sanchez the Bartender, and a gorgeous fan-dancing display from Monique made this show feel different from others, with the best part being that everybody seemed to be enjoying themselves.

The adult dancing industry may get a negative wrap from some circles, but as I’ve experienced and as I saw on this night, it is one of the most fun, welcoming and open communities. It may be a little different, a little more risqué and a little naughtier than you’re maybe used to, but I assure you it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

FOUR AND A HALF STARS ****1/2