Get ready to shimmy and shake your way through the decades of burlesque history at The Vintage Showgirl: a seductive stroll through time that celebrates a sold-out run at this year’s Adelaide Fringe Festival. Step into a glittering time machine that takes you through the many eras and iterations of burlesque, from the flirty flappers of the Roaring ’20s to the bodacious showgirls of the psychedelic ’70s. Set amongst the antiquated halls of heritage mansion Ayers House, The Vintage Showgirl is created and hosted by the whimsical Viola Verve of Viola Verve Productions, who has curated a stellar cast of both seasoned burlesque icons and emerging stars. Prepare to be dazzled, darlings: there’s a reason The Vintage Showgirl has sold out both shows, proving that burlesque is forever and the art of the tease never goes out of style.
The show opens with a bang of pure razzle-dazzle as The Vintage Showgirl Troupe graces the stage in all their flapper glory, transporting us right back to burlesque’s roots in the Roaring 20s. Consisting of Demi Debauchery, Claire Sombre, CeCe Cinnamon, Serafina Fae, Selene Wild, and Miss Stella Devine, this troupe of six sultry showgirls look like they’ve come straight from a Gatsby party in their sequinned, tasseled dresses, long black gloves, and hair coiffed to perfection. To the classic tune of Charleston by Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra, the troupe evokes into the spirit of the 1920s, their toes tapping and heels clacking in sync like a well-oiled machine. As the pace picks up, these flapper femmes peel away their dresses to reveal dazzling black and silver rhinestoned two-piece sets, turning up the heat and adding a little more cheek (literally!). These talented students (also affectionately known as “hotties”) from Hot Sauce Burlesque are making their mark on the burlesque scene, and their confidence and courage to step into the spotlight deserves a round of applause.
When De DLuxe steps onto the stage, she’s a vision of elegance wrapped in an opulent teal robe, trimmed with faux fur. Performing to Miss Celie’s Blues by Molly Johnson, there’s an undeniable air of divine about her; like a goddess who’s decided to grace the stage for our viewing pleasure. She teases and titillates the audience with glimpses of what lies underneath her robe, before working a stunning feather fan routine that could make even the most stoic audience member weak at the knees. Behind the giant ostrich feathers, she reveals a sheer rhinestone-encrusted waspie and bedazzled silver pasties that’s as vintage showgirl as it gets. A shimmy here, a twirl there, and De DLuxe reminds us that burlesque isn’t just about stripping away clothes; it’s about stripping away inhibitions.
Ethereal Jade is nothing short of a showstopper, mastering the art of enchantment and most certainly living up to the first part of her stage name. Dressed in a black sheer-panelled corset adorned with emerald green sequins, she’s the kind of showgirl who makes you believe in magic again. And when she opens her mouth to sing Toxic, you’ll find yourself swept away by a jazz-infused Britney Spears rendition that turns pop into pure burlesque gold. Despite a minor technical hiccup (that’s live theatre, folks), Ethereal Jade handles it with the grace of a seasoned pro. As the lights shift and the mood swirls, Ethereal Jade transitions into a dazzling feather fan routine before she melts into sultry floor work so seductive, you’d swear you’d just stepped into a smoky, silver-screen noir film.
Looking as if she’s come straight from a luau, Curvella’s entrance could only be described as tropical heatwave meets burlesque fantasy. Dressed in a floor-length sheer bodycon dress adorned with rhinestones and vibrant faux flowers, she exudes the cool confidence of a hibiscus queen as she performs to the musica tropicale hit Sway by Pérez Prado and Rosemary Clooney. She’s a nod to the hula dancers of yesteryear, effortlessly blending the sultry style of ‘50s and ‘60s burlesque with a modern, tropical twist. As she slowly undresses—revealing a crushed velvet number studded with rhinestones like the stars in the night sky—Curvella’s performance becomes a sultry, shimmering journey of colourful flower power. The way she works that ostrich feather boa could make anyone sweat. Talk about turning up the heat; Curvella is about to “tropic like it’s hot”.
Bonnie Dune may be the soft whisper in a room full of roars, but don’t let her serene presence fool you; this lady has a storm of seduction brewing beneath her calm exterior. Draped in a celestial white ensemble, Bonnie’s routine is a slow, deliberate tease, as if she’s savouring every moment and revelling in leaving the audience aching for more. With every poignant chord of the classical dreamlike piano soundtrack, the underlying tension builds, and when she unveils a pair of divine ostrich feather fans, the performance ascends into the heavens. With the grace of a ballerina and the sultriness of a showgirl, Bonnie moves with such delicate precision that she could make time stand still. As she opens the fans and gracefully reclines on the stage, arms outstretched, she evokes the image of Botticelli’s Venus, emerging from the her feathery clamshell in all her soft, sensual glory. Bonnie Dune is the embodiment of burlesque’s most refined elegance, leaving us breathless and dripping with desire in the wake of her angelic presence.
The Vintage Singing Troupe—comprised of Sabre De Light, Miss Mimi Marie, and Skyler Moon— step onto the stage and instantly transport us into a dreamlike reverie with their rendition of Dream A Little Dream of Me by The Mamas & the Papas. But these sultry songbirds are delivering more than just sweet melodies—they’re giving us a masterclass in showgirl sophistication. Draped in sheer black robes and crowned with rhinestone tiaras, their harmonies are smoother than silk, while their risque moves could send a showgirl’s tassels into a spin. And when they finally reveal the dazzling two-piece sets that lie beneath, it’s not just a reveal—it’s a revelation. This talented trio reminds us that burlesque isn’t just about taking it off; it’s the art of adding layers of seduction, sensuality and tease to every step, shimmy and song.
If there’s one performer who knows how to work it, it’s Bella de Jac; who oozes infectious charm and charisma. With a swish of their mermaid-style gold and purple crushed velvet gown, they glide down the aisle like a vision straight out of a showgirl’s dream. Their performance is a masterclass in sultry seduction, as they peel off their gloves and unzip their elaborate dress, revealing an iridescent rhinestone-encrusted bodysuit that practically screams showgirl royalty. The crowd can’t help but cheer as Bella lets loose to the tune of Tequila by The Champs, joining in to chant along to the chorus as Bella turns up the heat like a spicy and zesty margarita. This performance is pure burlesque bliss; bold, brash, and utterly unforgettable, Bella proves that when it comes to seduction and sass, no one does it quite like them.
Winchester Angel brings the evening to a close with a bedazzled bang, strutting down the runway and onto the stage in a sizzling hot pink, rhinestone-studded mermaid gown that brings the disco inferno to life. If you thought the ‘70s were over, think again—this psychedelic burlesque fantasy brings back the era of disco, glitter, all things groovy, and it’s bigger and better than ever. Winchester isn’t just wearing the era—she is the era, and she is the moment. The stage becomes a neon-lit, groovy time machine as she strips down to a hot pink and orange set, complete with a garter belt suspending tulle bell-bottom stockings down her legs. She owns every inch of that stage, leaving no question as to why bell-bottom girls truly do make the rocking world go round.
The Vintage Showgirl is a sparkling celebration of burlesque’s rich history, taking you on a journey through burlesque’s storied past, from the flapper-filled ’20s to the free-spirited ’70s. Stepping through the doors of Ayers House feels like you’ve been transported to a bygone era; its stunning, old-world charm sets the perfect backdrop for this sensational showcase of vintage glitz and glamour. With a stellar lineup, meticulous choreography, and costumes that shine brighter than a rhinestone, this show is a vintage lover’s feather-filled fantasy come true. Although The Vintage Showgirl has sold out and since concluded its 2025 Adelaide Fringe season, fret not; Viola Verve Productions is bringing the sultry magic back with Enchant – A Fantasy Burlesque Show at Nexus Arts from March 7-8. Check out our review of Enchant here, and grab your tickets—before they slip away faster than a showgirl’s quick-change act!