Those even vaguely familiar with the art of burlesque will tell you that it’s not for the conservative, prudish or easily offended. Centred around sexually provocative dance, raunchy costumes and cheeky humour, burlesque has boomed in popularity recently thanks to the likes of a little lady named Dita Von Teese. But the girls of The Better Than You Revue have set out to bring back a style of burlesque closer to the origins of the performance – a style laden not only with sex, but with dark humour, parody and mischief.
The Better Than You Revue sees six women from Brisbane–Alyssa Kitt, Diamond Dahlia, Divina Mercy, La Viola Vixen, Mercy St Just and Charne Louise–bringing their tongue-in-cheek burlesque revival to Chapel street’s own speakeasy, Red Bennies. Each of the girls has a professional background in burlesque and cabaret and a passion for the craft that shines through in their vibrant individual stage presence.
Opening with a song and dance rendition of Lady Gaga’s Born This Way, the dancers seemed slightly lacking in enthusiasm, but the number was saved by the gutsy, pitch-perfect vocal performance by Charne Louise (who claimed at the beginning of the show, “I’m just the singer!”) Throughout the show Charne’s vocal performances proved to be something worth waiting for. One highlight was the altered rendition of ‘Fever’, (unsubtly renamed ‘Beaver’) a prospective anthem for the fairer sex.
The highlight of The Better Than You Revue was quite clearly the striptease and dance, perhaps the inevitable result of the group’s professional experience. These solo performances were interspersed with various sketches, which, although sometimes giggle-worthy, often missed the mark. The real attraction was in the dance – each performer was thoroughly entertaining and clearly accomplished in their individual styles, which at times were stunningly balletic (with the addition of fur, feathers, leathers and lace) and at others, hilariously irreverent.
The Better Than You Revue provides a laid-back introduction to the art of burlesque with a refreshing dose of humour, and the show’s mischievous antics are charming in a way, if you can call fake penises and kinky audience participation charming. It’s worth a look just to find out what all the fuss is about, and who knows, ladies – you might even learn a move or two.
