Seedoeatreview has seen about twenty-five shows at the Adelaide Fringe in 2024. And over all those performances I’ve experienced laughter, tears, laughter and tears together, screams, and loud applause. But never did I think that on a Wednesday night at 10 pm in Gluttony, I’d feel the enormous amount of energy that the Barbie Burlesque show created from start to finish. Was it the Barbie theme that got everyone in such raptures, the burlesque and boylesque performers on display, or just a bit of South Australian pride from this locally produced show that had everyone so enamoured? I still haven’t quite worked it out, but the energy generated from this 60-minute show alone could have powered South Australian households for a full year!
Hosted by the modern-day Diabetic Barbie herself, Lyra La Belle, Barbie Burlesque is a relatively simple concept. A bunch of artists pick their favourite versions of Barbie, whether it be the dolls or the movie, and perform them in any way they envision. So, on the night I attended, we had a 9 to 5 Barbie (Lizzy Baker), Queen of the Barbies (Imogen Kelly), Fire Barbie (Abby), Weird Barbie (Saskia), Ken (Sebastian Wolf), Alan (Arthur Nicely), Bendy Barbie (Foxy Roxy) Fetish Barbie (Curvella) and a Pink Gorilla Barbie (Saint Eve). And this is what makes Barbie Burlesque so unique. Everyone has their own vision of Barbie and brings something completely different to their performance - although, I’d never have imagined that I’d be cheering on a pink gorilla while he grinded on another man onstage!
I’ve seen Barbie Burlesque a couple of times before in 2023, but this Adelaide Fringe version is something else. Bigger, more dazzling costumes, performers who are fully embracing their version of Barbie, and a crowd who are the noisiest and most supportive I’ve ever heard coming along for the ride (in the Barbie Dream Car no doubt). This is a show you have to see for yourself at this year’s Adelaide Fringe if only to experience the positive energy it creates.
FIVE STARS *****
Reviewed by Shane Berketa