Absinthe by Spiegelworld – Review

Last night we attended Absinthe in Brisbane (Australia) by Spiegelworld.

Let me begin by quoting the Ringmaster from last night “If you don’t like to hear the word Fu#k then you are at the wrong Fu#king show”.

That pretty much sums up the warning for the rest of this post too.

This show is inspired by the cabarets of the late 19th century Europe and contains a little bit of circus, a little of  burlesque and a lot of explicit language. If you don’t like strippers, nipple tassels, sex jokes, G-strings, racist comments, girls in lingerie kissing, half naked guys and cross dressed men then this is also not the show for you. If however you can tolerate all that and let “Art” be “Art” then read on my friends, read on.

Circus – The Acts were amazing. The intimate setting meant that quite a lot of the audience were no doubt feeling the breeze as the acrobats and tight rope walker went past.  The gymnasts on the bars were amazing, I am still perplexed at how they could do it all whilst wearing jeans. In fact they did have shirts on and took those off, maybe the pants need to come off too. When the opening act stacked chair upon chair all I could think of is, what if they fall into the audience?  If you are fearful of falling object or falling stunts-man then I suggest grabbing a back seat. The seats are very close together (let’s call them cozy). If you are of the more rounder size, I would suggest heading towards the booth seating as you get bar service there too.  I don’t want to give away too much off the show, but there is lots of brute Russian body strength in one act. Some twisting Mexican hunks in another and A Thai twirling lady who lifts her man high up into the air for a kiss.

Burlesque – Stripping, yes there is a whole new way to do that – Upside down whilst doing aerial stunts on a hoop. Don’t worry ladies the guys take off some of their clothes too so you won’t feel like you are in a Gentleman’s club.  The image that sticks in my mind the most is the tap dancing topless (tassels) lady inside a giant balloon. (Yes INSIDE a giant balloon). It’s kinda weird and amazing and funny all at the same time.

Everything Else – The drinks are of course are overpriced as with all events and clubs. What I liked most is there was NO over priced merchandise being thrown in your face. You grab a drink , you watch the show, you leave. It’s simple. It’s direct and no apologies needed (only warnings).

I really wish I had seen this show on a Friday night and not a School night as the 8pm start was hard for me. The content is also more suited to a Friday or Saturday night out especially when you have to go and help in your child’s class the following morning. Its not that you feel violated after this show, but it does change your perspective.

Well worth the ticket price just for the experience.

$85.64pp – Basic seats are great, (no spacing between seats). We liked the back row, as we were in bar seating and elevated. Great idea if you are short.

I would go for the cocktail tables for a date night, intimate and you can pop a bottle of wine or champagne down on to the table.

Go for the Premium booth $126pp for a girls or boys night out or if you want space for your butt.