Briefs Factory & Royal Croquet Club. Royal Croquet Club - The Panama Club. 1 Mar 2016
The buzz on opening night was huge. I think I was the only person who didn't quite know what they were in for. The opening act in black light and feathers really was Vegas quality drag as the guys got the gear off, proving they weren't chicken feathers. The talent was well introduced and beautiful - the crowd loved it. Director and ringleader Fez Faannana usually took too long to say what he had to say and slowed the pace, in contrast to the effervescent entertainments by the boy crew. First of the features was a fine upstanding young man in shorts and a tie who seemed able to solve a Rubik's Cube in seconds. Out came the yo-yo, off came the pants and little man got roped into a few tricks. Shocking show of skill! The usual physical circus fare was interspersed with more hilarious antics, like the speedy monkey man and the show dogmen going through the hoops. I also was shocked again by a gross-out fetish I'm too polite to describe.
Faannana passed the hat around with an opportunity to purchase a lottery ticket, and the prize was lapped up by the shy winner. Extravagant lights and costumes helped make the boys blossom except for the black light arch act which was too dark to see. The show ended with some incredible acrobatics on a steel ring (similarly amazing work on the cloth straps preceded) followed by a grand finale that had the audience on their feet clapping for more, as they were asked to do, but only too glad to oblige. This show won the 2015 Fringe award for best circus and has travelled the world.A great night out.
PS The Briefs Factory is also putting on Club Briefs for two nights only - 4 and 11 March. This cabaret includes guests from other Fringe shows.
David Grybowski
When: 4 & 11 Mar
Where: The Croquet Club - The Panama Club
Bookings: adelaidefringe.com.au
