Theatre review: Dirty Laundry puts drag, circus, dance, and boylesque into a fun spin cycle
Busby Berkeley-inspired dance numbers, flaming hula hoops, and saucy drag numbers are a Pride-perfect combination
Photo by Ven Tithing
The Cultch presents Dirty Laundry at the York Theatre to June 25
DOING LAUNDRY CAN be a drag. Thankfully, Australia’s Briefs Factory International has taken this literally.
Their show, Dirty Laundry, currently playing at the York Theatre, is a queer spectacle of drag, circus, dance, and burlesque—or as it’s called in the gay dance world, “boylesque”. The eight cast members are all world-class performers in their respective disciplines and the show is a roaring good time with a wonderful inclusive spirit.
The fun begins even before the show starts. Sassy cast members dressed in pink, lingerie–like robes welcome the audience into the auditorium, all done in good humour. When the show’s host, a feisty and lovable Fez Faanana, enters the stage, he delivers a thoughtful land acknowledgment and then urges us to keep an open mind. He tells the audience that hateful comments and behaviour will not be tolerated—instantly establishing a safe space for a great time.
A Busby Berkeley-inspired dance number, complete with fluffy puffs and classic formations, introduces the cast—a talented ensemble of bold and colourful personalities.
Afterwards, the heat is turned up. The robes are discarded and we’re treated to a Magic Mike–like routine by Louis Biggs. Here’s the setup: we’re in a laundromat where Biggs and others are waiting for their clothes to finish washing and drying. In this hot, sweaty environment, Biggs appears to have no choice but to strip his clothes off—not to mention show off his impressive juggling and dancing. On opening night, the audience went wild, thoroughly entertained by Biggs’s playfulness, skills, and personality.
The remainder of the show boasts various circus acts and musical routines, full of flair and charm across the board. Highlights include two dazzling hula-hoop routines performed by Mark Winmill, including one with a metal ring on fire; a hauntingly beautiful aerial hoop routine by Thomas Worrell, who showcases astonishing strength, flexibility, and spinning ability; and a spectacular gymnastics floor routine where Luke Hubbard (in drag) performs Simone Biles-worthy tumbling runs and spins; and saucy drag numbers by Faanana and Dylan Rodrigeuz. In one scene, Dale Woodbridge Brown swallows things you didn’t think were possible. Even if you shield your eyes due to squeamishness, you won’t be able to resist peeking.
To truly justify the show’s title, there’s a scene where the laundry room set transforms into a fantasy world. Endless bubbles float up from the laundry machines, and scantily–clad male dancers grace the stage. A sultry Brett Rosengreen rises from the froth as the character of Fab Daddy, who, according to a poster on stage, is here “for a filthy, hot mess that needs a deep, hard scrub”. There’s excellent dancing from everyone, including some moments when Rosengreen is lifted gracefully into the air by the others.
A comedic Faanana talks directly to the audience in between routines, at one point bringing out a laundry basket that’s filled with secrets that audience members had written prior to the show. The section is aptly titled “Airing our dirty laundry”: Faanana reads comments that are appropriate to be read aloud (some were too scandalous to reveal), while offering hilariously dry commentary.
And for anyone who might consider purchasing a raffle ticket in the lobby before the show, suffice it to say you’re in for a real prize.
Seeing how June is officially Pride month around the world, Briefs Factory International’s timing for bringing their show here is impeccable. Dirty Laundry is a terrific celebration of queer talent and culture. This laundry isn’t just dirty—it's absolutely filthy. And never before has doing laundry been so sexy and fun.
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