Brahaha @ Zoo Venue, 13 August 2010

Kitty Cointreau’s BraHaHa is a comic/cabaret/burlesque review that does a good job of holding its own. The mix of comedians, cabaret, and burlesque performers is well balanced, so the energy is kept at a consistent high throughout the show. Although the guests change nightly, the comedians who performed on Friday each have their own Fringe show running this year, and they were well matched in both substance and talent.

The colorful Wil Hodgson served as the compere for the evening, and his monotone voice was a good foil for the humorous jabs he interjected between the introduction of each performer. Isabel Hertaeg effectively used the cabaret medium to present her songs and comic stories, framing down-to-earth logic about female sexuality with a sultry, teasing profile.

Both of the stand-up comedians, Andrew Bird and Addy Van Der Borgh, got numerous laughs with their respective sketches, and were diverse enough to provide added interest to the overall program.
The three burlesque dancers were well-received, though the length of their respective performances seemed a bit short.

Honey Wilde invoked Margaret Thatcher in her routine and presented a naughty perspective of both politics and the Union Jack. Valentina Del Pearls did a saucy sketch with a Parisian undertone and, unsurprisingly, strings of pearls, which were used to good effect. And Kitty Cointreau wrapped up the review with a fluid routine that ended in a literal shower of sparkles, courtesy of her umbrella and requisite champagne bottle.

For a good introductory mix of both humor and the slightly bawdy, check out the BraHaHa. It’s a diverse hour of amusement that will get you laughing and keep you entertained.