Devious Adelaide has a long-standing reputation for pushing the envelope in performance spaces, and they've fashioned an especially decadent form of variety show in B.D.S.M. If the name didn't give it away, this is an explicitly kink-coded show that celebrates fetish, role play and sexual fantasy, with a dash of circus art for good measure. No half-filled promises or unfulfilled gestures here; check those delicate sensibilities firmly at the door, this is one for the adults.

The Vault is transformed into a seedy nightclub, complete with pulsing dark techno and EDM at each interval. Every inch of space is used to fully immerse the crowd in B.D.S.M's world of full frontal kink. There's no central host or dialogue: action does the talking. Expect no petty illusions; it’s an intentionally raw and honest portrayal of actual kink. The pain is unstimulated, and there's plenty of skin to spare. That R18 rating goes hard, and every moment is ground to blistering perfection.

This is not a show for the faint of heart, the easily offended or sensitive pearl clutches. This is unapologetic adult theatre at its most risqué and its most erotic. There's nudity in spades, and physical acts committed on performers are fully unsimulated, all of which we are informed ahead of time is done with full consent and respect. An often brutal but intriguing dynamic takes place within each partner act, including a beautiful shibari routine, dress-up in fetish gear and whippings that leave deep marks on bare skin. Small gestures are made compelling through the purposeful nature of touch, the interplay between two willing partners expressing desire through experimentation. Some special additions of aerial silks and chains complement the erotic partner acts below, tying in to the themes of restraint, surrender and power through physical exertion.

There's an undeniable intensity to what B.D.S.M has to offer, and it's impossible to look away (one could argue the audience itself is participatory through the act of voyeurism). It is, at its core, an exploration of power, consent and connection, all inexplicably linked to the world of BDSM practice. The show is also a clear demonstration of the link between kink and queerness. Many classic staples of kink find their origin within queer spaces, and the cast finds a good balance for representation across diverse genders, body types and sexual identities. It's an important statement for inclusivity that shows unequivocally that desire, intimacy and sexual fantasy are human needs at their core.

This is a variety show with bite. Other adult-coded shows may make insinuations to fetish and kink, but Devious Adelaide is not interested in playing it safe or predictable. Bold, brash and sexy as hell. Other shows wish they had a drop of B.D.S.M’s delicious audacity. For those with an open mind and a sex-positive attitude, your curiosity will be rewarded. Don't try this at home (unless you've got consent)!

***** Five Stars