A respectful, candid, sexy and stunningly choreographed exploration of some different consensual relationships in the tantalising world of kink, B.D.S.M. did exactly as it says on the tin.

The venue at Fool’s Paradise was packed with BDSM enthusiasts, curious thrill-seekers and, in the case of the people sitting in front of me, people who definitely didn’t know what BDSM means but found out pretty quickly.

The show is a bold, unflinching, R18+ circus experience, where beauty meets pain and boundaries are pushed through a seductive blend of aerial artistry, dance, whips, chains and ropes.

The show opens with an important message: this show is a safe space for audience and performers, and everything you will see on stage is performed by willing participants who have given their enthusiastic and informed consent.

After a sexy, energetic ensemble number spills onto the stage in a flood of leather, latex, riding crops and unapologetic seduction, the scene is set. This show is about to raise pulses with every whip crack, butt smack and stiletto whack.

Our opening act is a slow, tender and intricate demonstration of Shibari between Rope Puppet and Will Bound, which sees Rope Puppet bound, tied, rigged and suspended, swaying gently like an art exhibit.

From there, we are treated to a creative observation of the various relationships in the kink scene where consent is central – a message that Director Skye Bee makes abundantly clear.

It is courageous to offer an insight into a niche scene as part of an open access festival where the general public (over the age of 18) is able to attend, especially without a host to give context, but that is where the beauty of Skye Bee’s B.D.S.M. lay.

Using music, circus arts, clear characterisation and a narrative thread, it was easy to feel safe – and as someone who isn’t part of the BDSM scene, I did feel safe. This was entirely due to the strong message of consent, the beauty of the movement and the outstanding talent of the performers.

One of my favourite burlesque duos Santosha Storm and Sebastian Wolf performed an exquisite Domme/Sub number, chains aerialist Lumi gave us a breathtaking display of skill after an equally breathtaking and ridiculously sexy routine with Aurora.

There’s nothing I love more than seeing silks aerialist Ariel Drop on any stage at any time, except maybe Ariel Drop on this stage performing a duo with The Sadist in one of the hottest things I’ve ever seen. The skill, the talent, the sensuality, the danger, the seduction. Ooft. No safe word required.

Mistress and Pet Handler, Flick, gave us a high energy, gorgeous performance with her pets Startling Strix, Aurora and Shae la Sirène, which had the audience screaming in appreciation from start to finish.

Rounding out the show was adorably bratty sub, Pixie with her Dom ‘The Sadist’ in an act that was fun, yet, dangerous, but because we’d been well informed that this is a source of pleasure for the artists, rather than confronting, it was tantalising and fascinating.

The production value of this show is absolutely top notch and the venue – which is one of the best in the entire festival – was used to its full potential to give us the best experience possible. Sight lines are good, regardless of where you sit, and the direction and staging is unsurprisingly inclusive and accessible. (The company also offered an audio-described performance and access guide.)

Little message for the people in the row in front of me for what it’s worth, though: this is an excellent lesson in reading the program blurb before attending a show because it’s not the performers’ fault you didn’t know it was going to be a red-hot sex fest of death-defying circus brilliance. That said, I am glad you were able to pop in your headphones, watch some K-Pop videos and make some Temu purchases on your phone. Time well spent.

B.D.S.M. is slick, tight, impressive show; and an exciting, entertaining, sublime peek into the world of kink and play, presented through the magic of circus and dance, and performed by artists at the top of their game.

5 stars

By Libby Trainor Parker

Tickets HERE