OBSERVER: Piper’s Playhouse
The launch of Piper’s Playhouse at Crown Casino brings a new daring, flamboyant venue to Melbourne with all the intimacy of cabaret in its purist form.
Hints of illusion beckoned as we were ushered into the rich red velvet nightclub and seated at a ringside table.
The mystery continued when a creature’s paw parted curtains serving our complimentary glass of Piper-Heidsiek champagne.
It is the crème de la crème of cabaret artistes. Maitre d’, megastar drag queen Jimi the Kween drives the momentum while flaunting lavish costumes.
This is cheeky, immersive theatre Parisian style. Miss Burlesque Australia, Diesel Darling astounds with her high kicking and splitting performances climaxing when she dips into the bubbles in an outsized champagne coupe in keeping with the champagne-flowing evening. Her act adds a sense of danger with her fearless flame throwing skills.
Award-winning illusionist Sebastian Rideaux alter ego Mr Marmalade’s magic holds the suspense with tricks unperceivable to the human eye involving the audience in his trickery.
From the minute we walk in, Becky Bubble mesmerises with captivating bubble-blowing techniques. Contortionist Soliana Ersie’s gliding flexibility leaves mouths gaping.
The performers are accompanied by the jazz band, Jake and Amy Trio whose musicality and energy are the perfect fit to draw the ensemble together and keep the pulse going.
When the two-hour performance draws to a close, the 260-seat Playhouse transforms into a free late-night piano bar. Seated on a revolving stage at a baby grand – red, of course – a pianist plays taking requests from a QR card on your table. This slick night of intrigue and surprises continues.
Dates: Until March 28. Opens 6.30. Show 7pm-9pm with interval
Tickets: $55- $135. Complimentary glass champagne. Finger food available
Venue: Crown Casino, 8 Whiteman St Southbank.
Bookings: crownmelbourne.com.au
Nudity, adult content
Review by Sherryn Danaher