From the first moment, it’s clear that Fruits de la Passion is going to be high-energy, high-impact and high-fructose. These skilful burlesque performers knock it out of the park on so many levels.

Transcending sexy, fun, ultra-silly and political spheres these artists command the stage with well-established characterisation and carefully crafted costumes, paying homage to the conversation between the people and the land in the form of dance.

Coco Pearl celebrates her connection to place with a Polynesian-inspired performance.

Reigning Miss Burlesque Australia Diesel Darling is this evening’s Master of Ceremonies and her glimmering dresses and feathered costumes complement her glamorous persona. While she is elegant onstage she is the first to admit that she is fangirling over this troupe of stunning performers she has partnered with to bring Fruits de la Passion to The Pleasure Garden. Darling performs her pieces with panache and skill.

The facial expressions the performers used to accentuate their characters had the audience laughing aloud as multiple group acts are performed. Performer Boom Shakalakalaka had the audience in the palm of her hand whether she was throwing a tantrum or throwing a piece of clothing away.

A fiery redhead makes air guitar look like an art form as she performs French rock songs and then plays a double bass with her gloves. Whether it splits, air instruments or nipple tassels, you name it and she rocks it.

Two stage kittens keep everything (particularly the performers) in order and get multiple laughs of their own.

Crazy Brownie performed a powerful piece casting off shackles in the pursuit of self-actualisation and freedom. The liberation of this piece was palpable and an important intersection to show that burlesque, like any art form, can also be a socio-political commentary on the experiences of the people.

The troupe performed to the quintessential “Big Spender” as ladies of the evening with visually stunning light-up feather boas.

This show was fresh, fun and feisty. Clothing was flung about on a Smokey stage, an aerobics class was run where ladies bounced on balls and there may or may not be a moment when audience members are asked to “juice” citrus fruit on the tips of purpose-built bras. Honestly, there was too much fun to pack it all into one review, I guess you’ll have to get out there and see it for yourself!