Presented by Gluttony and held in the Masonic Lodge for the very first time, the Adelaide Cabaret Fringe Festival showcases an array of cabaret, burlesque, comedians and circus acts, and Auntie Boo’s Variety Diner had it all…with a meat tray raffle to boot.

Hosted by the indomitable Boo Dwyer, the evening was filled with raucous laughter, exceptional talent and mild nudity; what more could you want in a variety hour?

Kicking off with a mildly disturbing musical number, Auntie Boo had the crowd in stiches, warmed up and ready for the first act: Katie Wright Dynamite, a cross between a juggler, burlesque performer and someone who would befriend you in the line for the ladies’ toilets. Plucking a hapless ‘Troy from IT’ from the audience, Katie’s sword skills were doubly impressive given that she was juggling sharp objects in a corset and glittery heels.

Next up was hometown boy and self-proclaimed ‘sexual lumberjack’, comedian (and meat raffle ticket seller) Mickey D. Back in Adelaide after a 10-year stint in the UK, Mickey D’s infectious laugh, laid-back delivery and Adelaide-centric material was a hit with the crowd. After all, there is nothing more Adelaide than inviting a room full of strangers to your birthday party at the local On The Run.

Following on from Mickey D, the audience was treated by a performance from Tash York, cat lover, wine drinker, self-care advocate and effervescently brilliant songstress. Her quick wit had the audience in hysterics, although a few gasped in horror when she deigned to mix her red wine with her white for the sake of her art. A searing satirist, few will ever be able to listen to Heart’s ‘Alone’ without thinking of Tash’s slightly risqué rendition while ensconced in a sleeping bag.

Closing the show and swathed in velvet was burlesque performer Sapphire Snow, co-founder, owner and director of Peaches ’n’ Gin Burlesque. Stunning, sensual and incredibly talented, the audience was mesmerised by Ms Snow’s vintage-inspired routine, oscillating between spellbound silence and rowdy applause. Utterly enthralling from the second she stepped on the stage, Sapphire Snow was the perfect end to a hectic, hilarious and wildly entertaining variety show.

Auntie Boo told the audience that she would like to bring back Auntie Boo’s Variety Diner for another season. When she does, be sure to grab your friends, your wine and meat raffle money, head over and strap in for a wild ride.

4 stars

Reviewed by Leila Hallak-Low