The Burlesque Hour is a full banquet of clever parody, hyperbole and good old fashion subversion; all dished up with a side serving of soup and strawberries, literally.

Moira Finucane is an unassailable presence: she always takes her characters to the edge and teeters them there, manically, much to the audience’s delight. Her collaboration with Jackie Smith has made for some of the best moments in burlesque cabaret. Not only are their inspired creations comical and entertaining, they comment on more subterranean issues. For example, when Finucane walks out, composed and demure, in a white gown and proceeds to drink and spill tomato soup, one experiences the psychological violence behind the objectification of women.

Yumi Umiumare is also compelling to watch. What some performers don’t seem to understand is that a great idea needs to be executed with keen understanding and actual ability. It’s such a delight to watch a physical performer who demonstrates such a high level of proficiency as well as succeeding in being droll and subversive. It’s worth seeing The Burlesque Hour just to see her poignant exposé of the woman in a suit.

Azaria Universe and Maude Davey, with a guest spot by some effervescent kitties – Holly Durant and Harriet Ritchie, complete this bevy of illustrious and talented women.

I only had a couple of indigestible moments during this show. I felt that Universe’s spoof to ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ was a little too long therefore lost some of the earlier hilarity. Having said that, I think it got the biggest cheer on the night. Also, I couldn’t find the comedy or otherwise in Davey’s rendition of Chris Isaak’s ‘Wicked Game’. I wasn’t sure if her unsteady vocalisation was intended or not. Her physical performance, however, always hit the mark and the unusual way she eats strawberries made up for everything else.

The performances on the night were supported by aptly chosen music which provided further exuberance. And well done to the production staff who had the chaotic task of cleaning up after some of the more gastronomically-charged performances.

If I could say anything to up and coming burlesque artists, and audiences alike, I would say check out Moira Finucane and company to see how burlesque cabaret is really done.