Coming Out of the Den is the first FRINGE WORLD production by Perth’s newest cabaret collective, Basement Burlesque Presents – an all-inclusive variety show run by queers, for queers, literally bursting at the seams with both established and up-and-coming local talent.

An hour and a half show, and not a weak link in the mix. All performers bring their A-game to the stage, they are totally in sync with their music choices and are enjoying themselves immensely.

Burlesque can be anything the artist presents, from utter camp, to high concept, to laugh out loud comedy, and all parts beyond. Minxy Milva at a job interview, boxy shoulder pads and 80s power suit, undertaking a classic routine, but seemingly on speed. Lotta Lamour, with a sneer that could power Sydney, all leather jacket and grinding rock guitar riffs.

Fae Salem, living her best Stevie Nicks life, with the widest of wide-brimmed hats practically winning the Oscar for best supporting prop. Maven, and we kid you not, doing burlesque as not one, but two varieties of pasta, with sauce included. We’re going to need a bigger napkin.

Costuming spectacular, with so much glitter, velvet, and tassels. So much colour. The location, Sonar Room, a lovely in the round venue, probably the closest experience to a Spiegeltent outside the Pleasure Garden. Indeed, some acts would not have looked out of place in Las Vegas, at the very height of the art form.

This is FRINGE WORLD opening night. From one of the newest troupes in the city. Full of astonishing locals you’ll no doubt pass by on the street sometime this year. All of them, utterly fabulous. Support the arts, support the artists, and they’ll pay it back like this.

The talent in Perth is not just okay, it’s spectacular.