FRINGE REVIEW: "Hot Sauce Burlesque" is Hot... But lacks variety and finesse
Last night I left Hot Sauce Burlesque with mixed feelings about the show. On one hand, it was impossible not to enjoy the obvious talent and fun that I'd just seen up on stage, but on the other hand, I felt as though I'd just left a talent show comprised of a series of six 10 minute performances, some of which were almost identical.
The performers' confidence and skills showcased in their own mini stints on stage were certainly impressive, and individually I definitely enjoyed watching all of them. However more of a structure and storyline would have immensely strengthened the show, rather than just one solo act after another without any true sense of teamwork established. A few duo or group performances would have been favourable, as a few of the acts were quite similar and therefore made the show feel a bit repetitive. I feel as if some of them had come together as a triple threat, it would truly have set off the night and been the act to remember.
Funnily enough, for me, the highlight of the show was comedian Chris Turner - confirmed to be the greatest rapper of all time, at least in my eyes. All our jaws dropped to the floor in awe of his incredible improv skills. As described by the charismatic MC Boo Dwyer, I didn't realise I needed his performance, but I really did.
The strip teases were enjoyable and empowering, yet a bit too similar and predictable for my liking. Hot tip - don't sit at the front if you don't want to be targeted or brought up on stage - this is an incredibly interactive show and people had multiple performers in their laps throughout the night.
I'd describe Hot Sauce Burlesque as a cheeky intro for those who haven't attended a burlesque show before. The audience was certainly loving it, with whooping and cheering happening all night long. Further finesse and focus on bringing the show together would certainly bring Hot Sauce Burlesque's rating closer to 5 stars.
3 out of 5 stars.
