The talented ensemble United Queendom have returned to Brighton Fringe for another year and their show Smooch! is an uplifting and joyful cabaret that will have you whooping, laughing, singing and leaving with a big smile on your face.
Chastity Belt is the welcoming, charming, loveable hostess of the five-strong group, bringing innuendo-laden comedy and incredible, powerful vocals to this varied, inclusive and rousing show. James Gill is the playful and flirtatious stuntman of the bunch, at first whirling round the cyr wheel topless in a glittery kilt (and sparkly pants) with skill and precision before later swinging upside down from the ceiling of The Circus Yard’s Big Puck. James knows how to work the crowd and those sitting on the left of the stage (stage right) have a real treat as he swings above them, if you like that sort of thing. There’s a definitely kinky edge to this show, as reflected in the fabulous and playful costumes.
Next up, it’s the divine Demi Noire, who treats us to slick burlesque with power and play. This burlesque is not only sexy but also funny. Demi is the queen of nipple tassles and superb striptease. She’s cheeky and captivating.
Encouraging audience participation, Chastity tells the audience: “You’ve got it. It’s just pantomime with tits and circus.” Meanwhile, she skilfully weaves reactions and reflections about the audience into her compering of the show. For example, my friend and I, keen in the front row, became referred to as the “new besties”, applauded for my wonderful friend’s growl as James Gill arrived on stage and her polite “thank you” as he writhed his muscular body.
United Queendom’s founders husband and husband duo Ben Brown and Force Majeure also perform separately and then together as Little Finch Circus. Ben Brown takes to the aerial hoop with such grace and elegance, leaving the audience mesmerised. He seems to effortlessly contort into all sorts of shapes while up in the air. Glorious.
The sassy and expressive drag queen Force Majeure then takes to handstand canes placed at the top of a giant lipstick to perform a skillful, strong and fun striptease. The way she takes off her stockings upside down is rather impressive.
The final act of Smooch! by United Queendom is a moving and bewitching joint aerial hoop performance by Little Finch. There is something quite special about the fact they are husbands and the energy and love between them is palpable.
Go and see this show. You can’t not love the down-to-earth cast, who generously pose for photos together and chat after the show.
Smooch! by United Queendom is on at Revel Puck Circus’s The Circus Yard on May 30 and 31 at 9pm. They are also performing at Glastonbury again this year.
Address: The Level
Tickets: Brighton Fringe
United Queendom: Website
