The incomparable comedy cabaret diva Tash York opens with Tina Turner’s signature song Simply the Best and shows why she is an MC too. York’s comedy is tame compared to her usual shows, but this one isn’t hers. She is simply one of seven stars to appear in this variety showcase that boasts a different headlining act each night. York’s voice is in fine form however, and we get a few tastes of her vocals, along with her nous for revving up an audience. Each other artist gets about 7 or 8 minutes to impress us, and they all do, beginning with Chris Turner who brings a piece of his show Childish to the stage. With ample comedy, he elicits five words from the audience then creates a complex rap on the spot which not only incorporates the audience contributions, but references much of it back to his opening comedy routine. Bavo Freestyles is a freestyle basketball performer appearing in Circus The Show. More than a juggler, he handles up to five spinning basketballs with grace and speed as he rolls, bounces and balances them over, on and around his body. He’s a visual treat and, with no spoken dialogue, his unique performance is accessible to all. Exclusive to Best of the Best is Alanah Hill is a hula hoop circus entertainer, able to spin numerous hoops around every part of her body simultaneously. She does so with precision and style, offering equal parts visual feast and an impressive circus routine. Popular comedy magician Dom Chambers is up to his usual tricks of entertaining the audience in unexpected ways. He’s no Fake Wizard as he turns card tricks into very funny routines and interacts with his audience effortlessly. This is not an act for younger audience members, so parents beware! Juggler Richard Sullivan from Crème de la Crème Cabaret brings 5 juggling clubs to life, and then Inferno’s Anne Arellano ends the night on a high with her handstand contortion and foot archery acts. Seven highly skilled artists make for an enthralling and enormously entertaining hour, with a good balance of variety to suit most tastes. While each night will be different, the opening night performance was an impressive start to what promises to be a sizzling season of surprises.