A Night at the Opera is a winning Fringey formula; gorgeous girls and raunchy routines all to the soundtrack of one of the greatest rock bands of the modern age, Queen. Whether you’re popping your burlesque cherry (there were a few hesitant hands raised in the room), or you’re a seasoned Fringe fanatic, A Night at the Opera and the After Dark Darlings troupe ensured their show has something for everyone. 

There’s not many better venues than Connections nightclub boasting a soundsystem audiophiles can usually only dream of, to help catapult you right back to the 70s and 80s as the red velvet curtain peeled back to reveal the stage lights, whilst blasting the opening anthem, We Will Rock You. 

Producer and performer Ivy Temptress alongside Calypso D'Light, Madame Demi Diva, and Delza Skye, ensured their crowd-pleasing track choices were perfectly matched to their individual talents and choreography. There is surely no better synergy than Fat Bottomed Girls and Delza Skye for instance, the recipient of Cutest Butt in Burlesque award.

The attention to detail when pairing the performers to their respective Queen anthems had tantalising and alluring with sometimes unexpectedly comical consequences. The immortality of classics and their accompanying music videos such as I Want to Break Free, were humorously honoured in the performance and our Mistress of Ceremonies kept pulses racing, heckles retorted and facts flying by peppering the interlude with insightful Queen info. As the show raced to its surprising finale, the team showcased their skill, creativity and beauty in the routines with all the ingredients typical of burlesque; tassels, wings and all. 

The diverse and devoted Saturday night audience lapped up the performance and were entranced from start to finish. A Night at the Opera is only on until the 20th January so get on your bike and ride on down.