If you’re looking for a night of electrifying performances, unapologetic self-expression and pure, untethered appreciation of the male body, you’ve found it right here.

From the moment the lights go up, the dynamic cast grabs your attention and refuses to let go, serving up a smorgasbord of talent, tease and astonishing athleticism that leaves you breathless. SMASH! is a bold, high-energy celebration of masculinity in all its fierce, flirtatious and fabulous glory. From jaw-dropping aerial stunts to smouldering burlesque, every act bursts with charisma, talent and an ample amount of (butt) cheek.

The performers don’t just take up space on the stage – they own it, pushing boundaries with confidence and flair while delivering a thrilling mix of artistry and seduction. Whether you’re here for the dazzling costumes, the feats of strength, or just the sheer spectacle of it all, SMASH! delivers heightened entertainment that keeps us all grinning, gasping and giggling with delight.

Leading the charge is Danny, the charismatic ringmaster who sets the tone with charm, wit and just the right amount of mischief. Then there’s Darcy, whose gravity-defying leaps and razor-sharp kicks stun with elegance and power, seeming to defy the laws of physics. The aerial feats of Josh are nothing short of hypnotic. With awe-inspiring strength and grace, he twists, flips, and soars above the stage, making the impossible look effortless. Meanwhile, cabaret singer Will adds a lovely touch of elegance with his rich, soulful voice, delivering numbers that ooze seduction and sophistication. It is a shame he isn’t utilised more.

Maddy is the man with the hottest buns in the business, and he knows exactly how to use them. Whether teasing the audience with a sly grin or strutting across the stage with confidence, he radiates pure fire. Rounding out the cast is Mateo, who brings a cheeky, sexy cameo that keeps us on our toes with playful antics and irresistible charm – a true cherry on top of this decadent dessert of a show. I am very disappointed he only appears once.

SMASH! is more than just a night out; it’s an experience – an unapologetic, electric and wildly entertaining journey into the world of Boylesque. It thrives on freedom, expression and a whole lot of showing off (in the best possible way). This is masculinity at its most magnetic and it stands apart from any other burlesque show out there.

However, the transitions between sets need work. Given the phenomenal amount of effort poured into making the show look as polished as possible – from the lighting to the costumes to the set dressing – it’s frustrating that most vignettes end in an awkward, tedious lull before the next one begins. The loss of momentum clips this show’s fabulous wings, stopping it from reaching its true potential.

Danny mentions twice during the performance that this show is an experiment – an opportunity to play with a concept and turn traditional, all-female burlesque on its head. This more than achieves that. I love that the World Buskers Festival makes room for something still in progress and I’m hopeful we’ll see this show return in a few years – possibly with some new bits and pieces and, hopefully, with these little kinks worked out.

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