This FRINGE WORLD, the Pleasure Garden’s Hat Trick Bar hosts a diverse gang of bedazzled misfits, belonging to FRINGE WORLD royalty - BurLEZque. Their 2025 season - Party Gremlins - is a cabaret extravaganza, celebrating contemporary queerness. Tackling robust topics like identity, intersectionality, life, and love, while rocking signature wigs, lingerie, and nipple tassels, is totally on brand for the Perth institution that is BurLEZque. They exist as a proud rejection of oppressive social norms, with each new show branching out further than before. Party Gremlins is no exception.

It tells the debaucherous tale of our host, Mae Dae’s, feverish reimaginings of last night’s house party. It’s a universally queer experience—smoke, mirrors, late night snacks, and a montage of colourful friends looking really hot. Of course, like any queer party, BurLEZque’s Gremlins have some stand-out players.

Fae Salem’s Queen of Kick-ons moves like liquid, and her confident theatrics blend comedy and sex-appeal, with a commitment to character that leaves you begging for more. Veruca Sour’s unique take on a classic French clown is mischievous yet chic—it’s sexy in an avant-garde way, and oh so very Veruca.

A true highlight is The Moesha, whose act encompasses all that BurLEZque stands for—queer talent, unwavering spirit, and triumphant vulnerability. The Moesha is a skilled all-rounder, and it is so satisfying to watch. In contrast, it did appear some acts required a little more support with movement technique, which at times kept us from fully sinking into the performance and letting loose like we wanted to.

Regardless, Party Gremlins is a raucous night full of passion and pride. Every performer pours their heart out, and the audience pours theirs back. They push the boundaries of traditional burlesque in a vibrant, fun, flirty, and honest way. If you feel like a late-night party, I have some Gremlins you might want to meet…