With 'Debauchery Behind The Beard' about to put on its fourth show, 'Game Of Thrones' no longer has the monopoly on sexy magic.
'Debauchery Behind The Beard' has been described as Brisbane's “most intimate and original cabaret”, and it's hard to disagree. Hosted by experienced cabaret performer Tigerlil, the show combines the usual cabaret acts with elements of circus, theatre, and live entertainment. “We've had this great magician called Thomas Fenton, he does great sideshow magic,” says Tigerlil on show's diversity. “We've also had two of the tutors from the Brisbane Bombshell Academy, Lila Lux and Coppelia Jane. Both of them have won various burlesque titles in Australia.
“Every cabaret I try to get a real mix of circus, burlesque, sideshow, vaudeville and dance, so it covers all kinds of genres.”
For its fourth show, 'Debauchery' will be hosted once again at The Bearded Lady as part of Brisbane's Anywhere Theatre Festival. Keeping in line with the “variety show” vibe, the fourth installment will include, for the first time, a dance performance with vocals provided by local musician Hannah Macklin. “I'm really excited to see dance in the context of the cabaret, because my connections are mostly circus and sideshow,” says Tigerlil. “It's exciting for me to incorporate some dance into the line-up.”
Also taking the stage will be members of Brisbane-based performing arts troupe Company 2, who have returned after a successful season of their show 'She Would Walk The Sky' at The Roundhouse in London. “They're international circus performers, coming and doing gigs in West End, which is exciting,” says Tigerlil.
With its loyal fanbase of regulars, 'Debauchery' appears to have met success quite early in its lifespan, with the venue itself being an integral part of that success. “The Bearded Lady is a really great venue,” acknowledges Tigerlil. “The way they've set it up at the back, it manages to merge urban street art with a really intimate, smoky lounge bar. The environment is really conducive to intimacy and getting people involved.
“Now we're just trying to establish a reputation as an ongoing event. It's a great vehicle for artists who are passing through Brisbane, so we'll continue to have a high calibre of visiting artists performing.”
'Debauchery Behind The Beard' takes place at The Bearded Lady on May 14 as part of the Anywhere Theatre Festival.
