Hello Vogue.
Walking in to ‘Vogue’ the latest Melbourne cabaret show I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. When the uber pitches up in the dark to a dodgy building in a North Melbourne side street I’m a bit dubious. But as we head upstairs, greeted by a sophisticated bar with divinely dressed, skilled barman shaking and rattling the finest cocktails, I’m somewhat at ease. We enter a red room with a cabaret style setting, and I feel like I’ve stepped back in time to the 1920’s into a Great Gatsby movie. A carpet floor, dim lights and hosts dressed in exotically raunchy outfits that I’m certain would be illegal these days, Yet, as uncomfortable as I am with butt cheeks and cleavage in full view, I notice that behind me is a cute little couple who must be in their 90’s. They have no issue, and I realise it’s just me being a prude– so I ditch the attitude, roll with the raunch and embrace it the fabulousness.
The Opening Scenes
Act one is an ’introduction’ to the characters, all aligned to the cocktail names on the menu (have a taste of Scarlett and Ivy). Two quirky show hosts, who claim to be the ‘barmen’, set the scene. They throw in some humorous Dad jokes, some crude X-rated comments that borderline cringeworthy yet still retain tasteful, and barely 10 minutes in, I’m doubled over in pain with laughter. I try to keep a still face as I can feel wrinkles forming from my upward sore cheeks, but its actually impossible. I physically cannot stop smiling 2 straight hours.
And So The Show Begins..
Then come the performers. High octane, electrifying music, we watch these sultry, sexy provocative dancers emerge. Each one so insanely flexible, they make my kids’ barbie dolls envious. With their choregraphed limbs in different directions our toys are like stiff boards compared.
Soft calming music begins, as a tall, elegant ballerina, who looks like an angel from heaven graces us on stage with a magical performance. My eyes widen as she effortlessly bends over backwards, making the splits look as easy as an arm stretch and my jaw drops in awe staring at her ridiculous elasticity.
In a dramatic breath-taking moment, a circus ribbon drops from the ceiling, and she hops in twirling in the sky right before our eyes, held onto by barely an ankle. My hair is standing on ends, worried she’ll fall. But hell no, not this queen – she’s got this. The combination is like Elsa from Frozen meets Moulin Rouge meets Cirque De Soliel, and I have to pinch myself to make sure that what I’m seeing is real.
A Spectacle for the Senses
As I watch each song cheering with goosebumps of delight, I sheepishly devour my snacks of crisp fried haloumi chips dipped in a full fat aioli (delicious by the way – sorry not sorry), and sip on a well-balanced fiery martini. It’s the ultimate example of hedonism in a front row seat. And whilst relishing in my culinary delight, I can’t help but be memorised by the bodies on stage. Tone, definition, muscle, power ! Not sure how many Pilates classes it takes to do some of those tricks but whether you’re gay, straight, or anything in between it’s impossible not to appreciate these amazing performers. (And just quietly, I can’t help but wanna slap that beautiful, voluminous butt cheek… clearly the prude in me has vanished!).
The Journey Continues – ACT II
Act two, is again full of surprises. Without giving away too many spoiler alerts, the show goes through the eras. Beginning with a classic 1930’s of Dorothy from the Wizard of oz, with Toto a real-life dog. Strike a pose with haute couture Madonna, get down at the disco and ‘stay alive’ and rock some RnB action with ice ice baby. The costumes are striking, the energy is next level, and the most difficult part of my night, is not standing up and running on stage to join in the dancing fun!
Vogue is not Cabaret. It is not drama. This is a celebration of skill, Avant guard performance, fashion, choreography and passion. It’s a show that pushes boundaries, ignites your senses, and lifts your imagination.
Anyone of any age, gender and demographic who has a taste for music, an appreciation for humour, and a zest for life, this is two hours of unadulterated bliss bundled into a show that is not to be missed!
The Verdict
We’re addicted to; An indulgent, sophisticated, seriously entertaining evening with exceptionally talented stars
What we need to be more addicted; Make it longer. 2 hours is not enough!
Viva Melbourne – Level 2, 64-90 Sutton Street, North Melbourne
Viva Melbourne is showing on Tuesday 7:30 PM (Vogue) and Friday & Saturday 7:30 PM + 10:30 PM (Vogue and Vicious)
Booking: https://vivamelbourne.com.au/events/
