When you arrive at the Butterly Club on a chilly September night, the first thing you want is a good drink and bit of light-hearted entertainment. In saying that, if you’re looking for the perfect pick, then Chest of Wonders‘ Who killed MamaShak? is definitely it.

MamaShak is the gypsy overlord at a circus that runs off desire. When she is mysteriously murdered, Detective Morgaine tries to crack the case. Along the way, she meets many interesting performers, from a bearded Amazonian to Elle Diablo, who has mastered the unique talent of sword swallowing.

All in all, the performance showcases a vast array of talent in the circus and burlesque area. With impressive circus feats, Morgaine opens the show and sets our expectations high as she balances in gravity-defying positions. Then the three burlesque dancer felines – Taffy, Ginger Snapz and Loli Box as well as their ringmaster, the bearded Tiki Amazon – get the ball rolling on this fun, naughty and seriously sexy show.

All four of the burlesque dancers have absolutely fabulous expressions throughout and it’s hard for the audience to not get swept up in their performances. The talent all-round is impressive, particularly Mimi, the hula hooping hooker who manages to incite sympathy all the while whirling multiple hula hoops around her body.

Set in an intimate space, the stagecraft revolves around the fabulous make up and costumes of muted shades to give a real film noir feel. There are sequins, fishnets and wigs galore as well as a fair bit of skin on show. The projected voice of the deceased MamaShak works well to transition between scenes, drawing the audiences focus away from the necessary shifting of props. Although just a voice, her quirky and demanding personality really comes through. Chest of Wonders, a reasonably new performance company, does well to fit the bill of a film noir murder mystery.

However, the show doesn’t quite manage to come off as a true ensemble piece. What the show does lack is strong character acting, which may have been lost in all of the splendor and glamour the great circus performances provided. Although each individual performance was entertaining, it seemed to be missing that ‘wow’ factor – something to seamlessly weave the piece together and create a strong cohesive whole.

Overall Who killed MamaShak? is one to see for all lovers of burlesque and circus or anyone looking for something a little different to their normal serious fare.

But beware: you’ll be exposed to laughs, unexpected facial hair and breasts.

You’ve been warned.

Click here for more information about the show and to purchase tickets.