I have always been fascinated with fire artists. Even though I know inside that they will hopefully not get burnt, their performances still come with a high degree of danger.

Inferno advertises “a variety show with the country’s best fire artists, breath-taking dancers, and jaw-dropping circus acts.” It does that and more with a generous amount of burlesque thrown in for good measure.

There are eight acts, compered by the inimitable Clara Fable, who has a knockout costume, amazing fire skills, is a singer-song writer and has the ability to get the audience eating out of her hand.

For me, the highlight of the night is Jessie Spin, one of Australia’s most outstanding fire artists. In a Spanish burlesque-style outfit she dazzles with her artistic use of fire and facial expressions,  instantly taking the audience to another place and time. The finale of her performance is truly breath-taking. Jessie dons a skirt, akin to the frilled lizard costume from Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and fills the performance space with swirling flame as she spins. It is one of the best fire acts I have ever seen! (I would love to see a production featuring Clara Fable and Jessie, it would be ‘scorching’!)

Inferno is 60 minutes of song, fire, repartee, fire, comedy and most of all, fire! If you are a devotee, it is essential viewing, if you are a ‘newbie’ go along and have a look, you may become a convert!