If you dare to miss out on snatching tickets to Briefs: The Works, you'd better prepare for a one-way trip down *JEALOUS* lane while the rest of us revel in the mischief that we got up to last night.

Celebrating Briefs Factory turning 18, Briefs: The Works is a rambunctious greatest-hits-style variety show packed with circus, drag and burlesque, including much-loved call-backs from past line-ups. Variety IS the spice of life, and this show serves a full tasting plate for every kind of Fringe punter.

Like a 3 am kebab after a big night out, it comes with the works… and packs a punch. Expect a deliciously unhinged mix of fire-breathing, stunning aerials, comedic cocktail-hour nonsense, gymnastics-in-stilettos, questionable balloon decisions, banana-themed ballet and Briefs’ signature brand of burlesque that keeps their cult- following coming back for more.

The troupe’s maître d’ and all-round “busy mum” runs the room with skilled prowess, lifting the crowd with high-energy, light-hearted comedy from the moment the doors open. The tone is set immediately: tonight, a good time isn’t just encouraged, it’s mandatory. That energy carries straight through the show, helped along by a perfectly curated soundtrack that kept hearts racing, limbs swaying, and bodies itching to join the revelry.

Two of my personal highlights were the returning international acts Evil Hate Monkey (USA) and Kitty Bang Bang (UK). Monkey’s routine is riotously funny and genuinely unmissable, an unexpected blend of bananas, ballet and circus that had the crowd howling with surprise and delight. Kitty Bang Bang’s fire act is easily one of the best I’ve ever seen. I don’t plan to spoil it for you.

The penultimate act, delivered to a thirsty crowd and served atop a glistening glass dish, was the devilishly naughty crowned prince of boylesque, Captain Kidd. He captivates on the trapeze, our eyes only tearing away to dodge some of his more… let’s say “rapturous” movements.

Do yourself a favour and head along — Briefs: The Works will have you on the edge of your seat… and maybe even slipping off it if Captain Kidd has anything to do with it.