Glittery Clittery: A ConSENSUAL Party review - Melbourne International Comedy Festival

When it comes to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, everyone has a list of shows and performers they want to see, however, it is always a smart decision to leave some space to see some shows that create buzz through word of mouth or just to take a chance on. This is exactly what I did with the Fringe Wives Club's Glittery Clittery: A ConSENSUAL Party, and boy am I glad I did. This 60-minute comedy-cabaret fabulously tackles feminism and equality and had me in hysterics from start to finish.

The Wives - Tessa Waters, Rowena Hutson and Victoria Falconer-Pritchard - appear on stage wearing dazzling and sparkling vulvalicious pink jumpsuits (annoyingly, without pockets) before they break into a hilarious re-imagining of Gloria Estefan’s classic hit "Conga". The three declare they are ready to stick it to the patriarchy and that they certainly do. "Change It Up", dedicated to Robin Thicke, Justin Bieber and the like, is particularly effecting with its pop musical styling and choreography creating a stark contrast to the lyrics that highlight some hard truths regarding domestic violence and violence against women.

Among all the song and dances, the trio conduct a quiz show on the female anatomy in which three audience members volunteer to take part in; and no dobbing in your friends as consent is key throughout Glittery Clittery. With Waters as the host, Hutson dressed as a human vulva and Falconer-Pritchard improvising the musical interludes, the show retains its sharpness and wit, and I even learnt something too.

The Fringe Wives Club have created a unique and important show with Glittery Clittery: A ConSENSUAL Party that cleverly straddles the line of activism and entertainment. It's an empowering, inspiring and entertaining evening for all, with powerhouse performances from Waters, Hutson and Falconer-Pritchard.

Venue: Greek Centre, Cnr. Lonsdale & Russell St., Melbourne.
Season: until 22 April | Thu - Sat 10pm
Tickets: $30 Full | $27 Conc
Bookings: MICF website