The Opera Burlesque

Based on the exciting tradition of Covent Garden singers who used to perform racy, night-time shows for their vaudeville audience, Opera Burlesque is built to showcase three stars. One is a Berlin-styled chanteuse with a black bob (Dimity Shepherd); one is a blonde in petticoats who sings a lilting and only gently ironic version of Radiohead's Creep (Ali McGregor); and the third is a brunette who enters wrapped in a kimono, and does perfect little geisha steps before launching into the aria from Madame Butterfly (Antoinette Halloran).

All are expert stylists and mood-setters, as well as tremendous voices who have been featured by Opera Australia; with her strong, angular poses, Shepherd grabs our instant attention - she's the most obviously poised and worth looking at just for the teasing expressions she adopts while watching the other singers. Her confidence and sexual stride are also evident in her rendition of Carmen.

Halloran does a hilarious number about the chic atonality of German singers; McGregor's highlight is a delicate little piece about the virtues of a smooth-tongued man (though it's a little shocking when she reverts to an Australian accent for addressing the crowd.)

Progressively, the three women peel down to reveal red sashes and stockings, bloomers, and a soiled little Hello Kitty purse. They reveal a full range of feminine accomplishments; it's clear that they have learnt as much about movement from burlesque stars as from opera singers. All three are in total control of the atmosphere changes - and unfazed by a couple of little hiccups such as soundtrack changes - in this excellent show.

The Opera Burlesque plays at the Athenaeum Theatre II
8, 15, 22 & 29 April 9pm

Review by Lesley Chow