Brisbane's Bite Club: an Immersive Camp Celebration
Image: Lachie Douglas
Once upon a time, songbird Sahara Beck met Brisbane’s most renowned, heart-stopping hooligans: the Briefs Factory. They were drawn to fabulous outfits and sensational spectacles, and lived happily ever after touring their genre-defying Bite Club, soon after the world re-opened its curtains after several acts of Covid-19.
To start off their tour, before their summer stint at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, they performed their opening night in the Queen Elizabeth Hall at the iconic Southbank Centre, London. During this immersive premiere, as laughter made room for awe, the audience were reminded of the resilience of the human body and spirit. It’s no surprise that the award-winning Briefs Factory and Sahara Beck have created a captivating show - over half of the auditorium on opening night were familiar with their work and noticeably came back for more; we experienced a world of hedonistic circus acts, drag and life-affirming music, and if we weren’t before, we all now left as fans.
Image: Lachie Douglas
One of the most memorable moments of the night was the former Las Vegas King of Burlesque, Mark ‘Captain Kidd’ Winmill. In an effortless strip tease and trapese act, Captain Kidd sensually evoked a Dita Von Teese Martini Glass show, all whilst casually chewing gum, surrounded by the Brief boys dressed in Bridgerton-esque costumes. Drenched in water and royal lighting, with a disco ball and silver waterfall panels as a glistening backdrop, we were left spell-bound as circus and comedy merged in a captivating performance.
Image: Lachie Douglas
Sahara Beck’s soaring vocals and passionate lyricism served as an original score throughout. Full of drama, suspense and alt-pop gems, Sahara’s ‘Mr Breezy’ was overlaid with speedy costume changes on a treadmill, yes - a treadmill - the physical act subtly commented on masculine gender and dress codes, as this gliterring strip-tease left us with a grounding surprise… For those who are yet to see Briefs Bite Club, we won’t spoil it for you!
The show was filled with Bob Fosse double-acts, juggling, hula hooping, puppetry, aerial rope and much, much more - a whirlwind of a theatrical performance that left us all on a high. With feathers for days, a raffle and cheeky mischief, ladies, gentlemen (and whatever genitals you may have in-between) - consider this a sign to grab your tickets to see this camp cabaret premiere in the UK. It’s a celebration that you won’t want to miss!
Image: Lachie Douglas
Briefs: Bite Club is showing 21-31 July 2022 at the Southbank Centre. Get your tickets here.
