It’s a leaving party and we’re all invited.  

Magnificus Rex (Allyn Robins) is about to jet off; he’s heading back to South America to return a cursed skull and tonight he’s having a bit of a going away do. It definitely has nothing to do with a totally unrelated graduate/ amateur cabaret performer/ magician named Allyn heading to Wellington for work: that would be absurd.

Tonight’s venue, Stilettos Revue Bar, feels familiar in that it’s exactly what you’d expect from a strip club. Even the smell of the place feels comforting in a bizarrely nostalgic way. The performers on stage however are anything but expected. 

First we’re greeted by Magnificus, a suited palaeontologist hosting tonight’s festivities who, after a somewhat sombre start, is eventually joined by Jon II (Ro R-G), Andrew Woolf (Andrew Brinsley-Pirie), Jake Hammer (Jasper Ririnui) and Dirtier Harry (Harry Biggs). The latter two are both struggling with a bit of heart break, but soon enough they’re grinding on the pole to work through their emotions, because that’s kinda what this show is about.

Does it all make total sense? God no. Does it matter? Certainly not. Do the audience love it? Undeniably. The front row/ splash zone gets a particularly good seat, right in the heart of the action.

Jon II’s choreography is frenetic, angry and energetic in a way that isn’t meant to amuse the audience; it’s scary, challenging and stands apart from other performances in the show: I’m totally into it. It’s great to see Sacrilege keeping it fresh within the format; there’s certainly no time to get stuck in a mould here.

Staples (Rachel Cox), Magnificus’ longtime friend, joins the actions as a bit of a foil to the madness around her – a great foil for the other characters – and she does a brilliant job.

Daddy May (Maddie May) arrives as part of Andrew’s going away gift for Magnificus. Their candy-coated strip routine is totally ridiculous and really kicks up the camp. Daddy/Maddie plays with the layers of their character throughout the show, it’s well thought out and they make great use of the absurdity of an actor playing a character playing ANOTHER character and then swapping between – confusing on paper but satisfying in person.

We’re introduced to Merlot Harlot, who reminiscences about the first penis she ever saw before warning the gang that Magnificus’ cursed skull might be more dangerous than they thought. She a classy, polished lady who also happens to be a witch, so she knows what she’s talking about.

Soon we’re into the interval: a chance to grab another drink while some brave audience members try their hand at a Magnificus Rex impersonation for a chance to win free tickets. They range from a cutting parody to a loving tribute; one participant’s mime approach is my particular favourite.

The second act really kicks things up a notch and we start careening towards the explosive finale with more camp, more characters and more… well I don’t want to give too much away. Twizel St. Andrews ABSOLUTELY steals the show at the top of the act: she knows what the audience wants and she’s giving it to them, in spades. 

The ambiguous white powder the cast are not covered in really cranks up the energy and they start to deal with the cursed skull perched on the table. Now I can’t give away the ending but we build to a pretty thrilling crescendo accompanied by a live band. To find out what’s in store for the team you’ll have to head along yourself. 

Sure the show isn’t perfect; the action stalls and drops the energy a bit, some sections are a bit too dark which loses some laughs and it does feel like the audience could be woven into the action more given we’re close enough to smell the performers and those in the splash zone are crying out to get involved. The plot could do with some massaging, sometimes the inner works of the script are really on show, and the episodic structure in the first half in particular could be more cohesive to help build some more believable relationships and capitalise on some recurring gags.

But I suspect that these flaws don’t matter; it’s part of the character and energy of the piece. We’re in a strip club, early on a Thursday night, watching outlandish characters negotiate what to do with a cursed skull – and we’re having a great time. 

The strangest thing about the whole show? Amongst the adult themes it’s all pretty heart-warming (and dare I say cute?). The storylines for the most part are kinda touching, the performers are having a great time and the audience are loving it. It all makes for a good night out. Bring a crew of people, hit the bar beforehand (if you’re that way inclined) and revel in the sex, drugs and good vibes Sacrilege have got in store. They’re on until Saturday.

Copyright © in the review belongs to the reviewer