After a sold-out 2024 season, SMUT The Show makes its triumphant return to Adelaide Fringe, delivering an ultra-risque, adults-only spectacle perfect for those looking for some daring and debaucherous late-night entertainment. Hosted at Fool’s Paradise, this R-rated romp is a bold celebration of the SWER (s*x worker) community, weaving together strip-club performances, burlesque, circus, and sideshow in a performance that feels like a deliciously deviant protest. But make no mistake—this is more than just a performative strip show. SMUT is a performance that shatters taboos, embraces queerness, and challenges societal biases. Produced by the fiercely passionate Juniper Fox, the show amplifies the voices of those often pushed to the margins, celebrating their artistry in a way that’s as intimate as it is electrifying. With an alternating cast of past and present adult industry workers, SMUT invites you to revel in an experience that’s raw, real, and anything but your ordinary Fringe show. And yes, this is a mandatory tipping show: “$ SMUT $ tipping dollars” are included in your ticket purchase, so respectfully making it rain on performers is highly encouraged!
First to tantalise and delight is Poppy, who saunters onto the scene looking like a seductive dream; Poison Ivy, eat your heart out. With long, fiery red hair, a green hooded cape trimmed in faux ivy and red roses, and a glittering ensemble straight from the botanical garden of your wildest fantasies, she’s a vision of sultry seduction. As the haunting Poison by Husky Rescue gives way to the electrifying beats of The Kill (Bury Me) by Thirty Seconds to Mars, Poppy teases her way through the audience, handing out long-stemmed roses to lucky audience members and leaving a trail of temptation in her wake. When she steps up to the pole on stage, it’s clear this isn’t just a performance; it’s a seductive spell she weaves with every move. Her dance is a fluid, smoldering concoction of sultriness and charm, playful yet irresistible, as she peels away layers of her costume, only to pour neon green slime over her body, creating a feast for the eyes. As she blows glittery “pheromone dust” into the crowd, we’re all under her spell, helplessly entranced by the contradictions she embodies: dangerously innocent, fiercely delicate, with a seductive charm that leaves us all begging for more.
Jemma aka Jemmbot is the embodiment of strength, flexibility, and soul. Dressed in an iridescent blue cut-out bodysuit and pastel blue sweatpants with “slut” in silver rhinestones (it’s giving Juicy Couture vibes), she begins with a soft, ballet-inspired intro in ballet flats, effortlessly executing pliés to the jazzy beats of Sink In by Amber Mark. As what seems to be her inner monologue plays over the music, we hear her self-reflective thoughts, hinting at a possible past as a classical dancer with a wry “If this doesn’t work out, maybe I’ll just become a stripper”. This subtle homage to what may be her history sets the tone, showcasing the foundation of strength and discipline that informs her performance. But once she swaps her ballet flats for strappy black heels, Jemmbot’s act becomes a spectacle of strength and sensuality, The crowd can’t help but marvel as she wraps herself around the pole with precision and flexibility, a true display of artistry in motion. Jemmbot’s dance becomes a commanding display of raw power as she moves seamlessly onto the pole, effortlessly blending muscle and grace, proving that strength and sensuality can coexist in the most magnificent way.
If Veronica’s red-hot performance doesn’t make you feel the heat, then I don’t know what will. Dressed in a strappy red bodysuit and shiny pleaser heels, she takes the stage to This Is Love by PJ Harvey with the intensity of a vixen ready to set the room ablaze. From her bold entrance to her unforgettable pole performance, Veronica combines precision, flexibility, and pure raw sensuality. The moment she hits the floor, her heels clacking loudly as she asserts her presence on stage, you know she’s here to dominate. Her flexibility is otherworldly, her moves almost defying gravity itself. Fiery, bendy, and undeniably unforgettable, Veronica is a force you won’t soon forget.
Bella de Jac’s raw and intimate act shatters expectations; there’s no need for a grand entrance or flashy choreography when their words are this powerful. Emerging from behind the audience dressed in a simple yet striking strappy black dress and clear rhinestone-embellished heels, Bella begins by offering a candid glimpse into their world as a sex worker. With sharp wit and sheer vulnerability, they address the common questions they often face from clients, turning the typical conversation into a poetic reflection. As Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby by Cara Salimando swells in the background, Bella effortlessly transitions into spoken word play, their voice laced with smoldering rhythm. The act evolves into an evocative chair routine; understated, yet brimming with raw emotion. Stripped back both literally and figuratively, Bella’s performance serves as a powerful reminder that sex work is real work. No flashy tricks here, just pure storytelling that’s vulnerable, provocative, and resounds loud and clear.
Foxxy Brown’s performance is a whole other level of eroticism, sensuality, and queerness that demands and deserves attention. Dressed in an iridescent blue plunge bodysuit that catches the light with every move, Foxxy takes us on a deeply intimate and erotic journey with their same-s*x partner. There’s no hiding here; Foxxy and her partner are not only a visually stunning duo but are also dripping with chemistry. To the slow burn of worst behaviour by kwn featuring Kehlani, their act starts as an erotic lap dance, but it quickly turns into something deeper, more sensual, and downright steamy. Foxxy’s floor work is sensational, balancing on her shoulders and tapping her legs and heels in a way that seems to defy gravity. And just when you think the temperature couldn’t get any hotter, her partner pops a bottle of bubbly, sending foam splashing all over Foxxy’s body. It’s an intimate, sensual moment with a playful edge, and it’s beautiful to see such representation of same-sex love in this space. Foxxy’s act is a powerful expression of love, lust, and liberation; making it one of the most memorable moments of the show.
From the moment Kitty Obsidian steps on stage as the emcee and final act for SMUT, you know they mean business. Dressed in a crushed velvet, floor-length gown with a silver diamante-studded belt around their waist, Kitty exudes power, confidence, and an undeniable aura of control. And when they crack that whip, the room goes silent; a collective breath held in anticipation. Kitty doesn’t just host the show; they dominate it. If the audience gets too rowdy, Kitty is there to whip us into submission (quite literally). Their finale is a display of pure power, unraveling their hot pink hair, taking off their shimmering belt, and whipping it around in a spellbinding performance that has the audience wrapped around Kitty’s little finger. As Take Me To Church by Hozier pulses through the air, Kitty turns the stage into their altar, every divine movement demanding to be worshipped. You won’t simply be watching Kitty—you’ll be hanging on their every word and command.
SMUT The Show is an unrelenting, unapologetic celebration of the adult industry, flipping the script on traditional burlesque and cabaret performances. From its daringly intimate performances to its boundary-pushing themes, it doesn’t just entertain—it challenges and empowers, surprises and delights, entices and enraptures. The cast, a fierce blend of past and present adult industry workers, delivers raw, real, and audacious acts that break down stereotypes and redefine erotic art. With producer Juniper Fox at the helm, the show champions diversity, inclusivity and representation, platforming and celebrating the rich talents within the SWER community. SMUT is more than merely a show—it’s a vibrant protest, an empowering celebration, and a must-see spectacle for anyone eager to witness a raw, captivating reimagining of performance art. If you’re ready to confront your biases, experience unforgettable performances, and tip generously, this is the Adelaide Fringe event you don’t want to miss.