This year’s cabaret offerings are nothing short of abundant, and for those craving something that turns the risque up to 11,  the team of Wonderfully Terrible Things has you covered. As far away from child-friendly as possible, the show delights in being as unapologetic and crass as it is sexy and outlandish.

Songstress Christina is a wickedly fun MC and carries the show with sassy panache. The jokes come quick (as does the innuendo) and the crowd was on board for it. Any hostess who can elicit the kind of raucous audience participation that Christina does deserves mad respect. Between her spicy hijinks, she treats us to several of her musical numbers that are abrasively funny, but also not afraid to offer moments of pathos as she shares her personal memories and self-reflections. These songs are infused with her trademark wit and biting observational humor, so these intimate moments never feel overly sentimental.

Joining her is a trio of eclectic characters with ample opportunity to shine. Jazida shares an especially lythe floor routine with impeccable physicality, showing off all her skills as a pedigree showgirl with some incredibly thrilling fire-eating work to top it off. Bede is an impressive equilibrium specialist who isn’t afraid to get up close and personal with the front row. And finally, Captain Finhead brings an impossibly thrilling set of specialty balancing acts involving knives, fire and a bed of nails. The performers clearly love what they do and they complement each others’ talents with barely a stray moment in between. The show barely pauses before the next outrageous stunt or cheeky interaction with the audience, all culminating in a delightful finale with Christina treating us to a classical rendition of Cardi B’s WAP, all performed on an aerial silk. 

This is cabaret for those with a more debaucherous sense of humour and aren’t afraid to revel in the naughtiness. Just make sure to leave your sensibilities at home and you’ll have a wicked good time.

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

Reviewed by Justine Hall