Get ready to be serviced! From Victoria-based burlesque extraordinaire Saint Eve comes an all-male cast of seriously sexy performers. 

This is a classic cabaret four-piece ensemble with all the goods. Sexy and thought-provoking in equal measure, Serviced aims to put the meaning of masculinity under the microscope while gloriously lampooning the trappings of masculine stereotypes. The delectable and super fabulous 2Joocee opens the show with “When You’re Good to Mama” (or in this case ”Papa”), and we are safely assured any covered skin won’t remain covered for long. 2Joocee glides across the floor in a beautiful kimono and red boa combo, and they make an excellent host with their witty repartee and sultry vocals. They make sure ample teasing and cheekiness are flowing between every number and a playful beat that ties it all together.

Every act has something unique and delightful to power this well-oiled masculinity machine. The striptease and abundant naughtiness extend to two tradie-themed numbers where the guys take off their high vis and eschew their tool kits to give us a healthy dose of skin, sweat and little left to the imagination. A wonderfully silly aerial straps routine set to “I’m Just Ken” is as endearingly sweet as it is hypnotic (those abs were no joke!). Then there’s the truly one-of-a-kind dance piece where two men duke it out via highland dance, complete with kilts and tartan pasties. It’s equally hilarious and heart-pounding, especially when they start leaping through fire with abandon.

The show has some excellent and, at times, poignant commentary on the dark side of masculinity. One particularly moving scene where Saint Eve strips down and walks on top of broken glass is an absolute gut punch that ends with a tear-jerking moment of friendship and solidarity. It’s not afraid to shy away from the tough questions of how the pressure and anxiety to perform takes men to dangerous places, and that true empathy and living authentically might grant salvation.

This is one of the few shows this year I wish had an extra 30 minutes attached. There’s a lot of thematic depth provided, and yet more to be explored. I really wanted to see what other stereotypes the team could spoof and redefine with their unique vision. With two spaces dedicated to blokes working in the physical trades, there was a bit of thematic overlap that may have otherwise created space for further deconstruction. There are enough toxic archetypes within masculine spaces to make two whole shows. Podcast bros, CEOs, gym junkies, hustle culture grifters and crypto enthusiasts are ripe subjects for parody, and I have no doubt the results would be magical seen through a bedazzled queer lens. 

This was one of my favourite Fringe acts of the year, and I really hope the team gets a few sold-out nights before the season closes. Unapologetically sassy, audacious and full frontal in its appreciation of the male body, Serviced is not a show you will forget any time soon!

****1/2 Four and a Half Stars