DECADENCE: 10 Years of YUMMY review | Melbourne Fringe | Meat Market

It's hard to believe that Yummy is in its 10th year of delivering wildly entertaining and daring cabaret. Led by the charismatic Valerie Hex, its collection of drag, circus, and burlesque has toured the world to rave reviews from audiences and critics. Their 10-year anniversary show, Decadence, winks at indulgence and excess, but beneath the sparkles and spectacle lies a decade of dedication, heart, and artistry.



Over the years, Yummy has welcomed a huge roster of talent, and it’s been a fantastic launching pad for emerging and guest artists, while also retaining most of its original, well-established crew, including Jandruze, Hannie Helsden, and Bendy Ben. And we get them all here. Bendy Ben continues to impress with beautifully choreographed drag routines, featuring one from the company’s very first production that remains mesmerising and unexpectedly emotionally. Jandruze’s performance to Detroit Grand Pubah’s "Sandwiches" is a Yummy classic, and a thrilling fire act where flames highlighting every movement as they dance dangerously close to their body. Helsden’s hula hoop act injects high-energy, unashamedly fun chaos to the evening.



The newer Yummy family members includes Milo Hartill, who is brilliantly dazzling. Their vocals during their musical number to Donna Summer’s "MacArthur Park" are brilliant, and their stage persona, combined with playful audience interactions, makes them utterly captivating. Jarred Dewey once again knocks it out of the park with his trapeze set, impressing us with his remarkable strength and control. Contortionist Soliana Erise astounds not only with the flexibility and precision of her movements but also with the speed and effortless grace with which she executes them.



If the ensemble puts in the hours in perfecting their acts, they are putting in twice as much care on their costumes. Each piece is incredibly unique eye-catching item of clothing that is treated as part of the performance rather than just an accompaniment. There are wonders to be found in their numerous outfits not only in design and aesthetic, but in the clever, functional touches that enhance the performances.

Decadence take place against a large heart-shaped backdrop, and it’s clear how much heart has gone into this show. As Valerie explains, there were many times when continuing with Yummy was questioned, especially during and after the COVID era. Every moment is filled with heart, and the effort and passion behind it are unmistakable. All of this comes together to celebrate our diversity and be ourselves, as well as our extraordinary capacity to love ourselves, and love one another. The display of bodies on stage is a powerful testament to that, evoking the beauty, courage, and freedom that eventuates from embracing our true selves. 



They may open with "Maximum Glamour", but Decadence takes this further by offering maximum sexiness, maximum cheekiness, and maximum flair. This is a show that does more than simply entertain. It delights, surprises, and reminds us why Yummy has spent a decade pushing the boundaries of cabaret. Hip hop hooray indeed.

SHOW DETAILS

Venue: Meat Market, 36-54 Courtney St, North Melbourne

Season: until 18 October | Tues - Sat 7pm

Duration: 75 minutes

Tickets: $105 Full | $65 Conc
 | $78.75 Wednesday Hump Day
Bookings: Melbourne Fringe Festival

Image credit: Matto Lucas