one4review | On 27, Aug 2026

Cabaret is easy to come by at the Fringe; good cabaret is harder to find, and on the resplendent stage we get the best in show, high-class, high-energy cabaret.

Host and comedian Bruce Devlin is a wonderful ringmaster, controlling the room with a playful authority. With his excellent, honed comedy background, he’s in full control, subversively making everyone know when Daddy is talking; everyone listens.

First up is Honey Velvet, with Rihanna blasting out as the soundtrack to an S&M fantasy. She’s part nymphet, part lion tamer, whipping it, whipping it good, with just the right amount of tease. At times it’s breathtaking, and it isn’t whether she can tame the audience, but whether the audience has any chance of taming her.

Assistant Tegan keeps the machinery moving, collecting clothes and keeping the flow between acts seamlessly. Scarlett de La Velvet brings another dose of old-school glamour, channelling Mama Morton with exactly the right amount of class and style, while cowgirl Lily Phoenix spins more hoops on her than a well-thrashed Celtic defence.

Then comes Bachata, a dance duo somewhere between tango and ballet, all sparkle and precision, coupled with enough natural body heat to have the back row reaching for a fan.

Things get slightly looser with Sean Harrington, whose sleight of hand and sharp crowd work lead to a particularly inventive twist on the old pulling-a-rabbit-out-of-a-hat routine. It’s magic, but with enough mischief to make the traditionalists nervous.

On the home stretch, statuesque Rosie Chic, like an X-Men Emma Frost in human form, bamboozles the room with a fur shawl, hair flicks and enough attitude to fill the stage. Tonight’s highlight, though, is Loid de Lagoon, whose outstanding feather work turns the stage into a glorious explosion of movement and glamour.

To round off the show, Roxi Kiks delivers a full-on tigress kitten routine, prowling around like a goo-goo muck beast looking for a feast.

Overall, this is a big production, beautifully paced show, and one that knows how to leave its audience wanting more.

****
Reviewed by Steve H
Laughing Horse – Three Sisters
Until 30 August
20.00 (1 hour)