A fun night out with the Briefs boys
When my girlfriend suggested that we get a group together for a Sunday afternoon ‘show/circus thing’ I thought, “oh that’ll be a nice change!” I didn’t ask too many questions as the idea of breaking up a usually sedate Sunday really appealed. Not to mention having an afternoon away from tired kids and Sunday dinner prep, replaced with entertainment, cocktails and Japanese fusion - I was in!!
Like naughty girls bunking off school, we were excited to meet at 4pm and indulge in cocktails and bubbles. Of the four of us, no one really knew what we had come to see. And all the bar staff would say was, ”you’ll love it!”
And boy we did. Helped in part by plenty of lubrication…
I have never experienced such extremes of emotion in such a short period of time! So what was it?? We middle aged housewives had ended up at a “boylesque” show - a unique mixture of cabaret, circus, comedy and tragedy.
It started with a razzle dazzle performance of some 80’s grooves culminating in a fine group of firm buttocks peeping out from a fan of feathers. We were hooked!
The graceful acrobatic skills of these men were awe inspiring. Their flexible, toned bodies contorted between hoops and ribbons, defied gravity and brought gasps from the audience. We ladies were also amazed by their well waxed legs and their ability to perform such high energy routines in 10 inch shoes. Although it was suggested that perhaps all that jumping through fire had singed the hair from their bodies, thus negating the need to wax.
Interspersed between the circus acts, was hilarious banter and jokes, thought provoking commentary on world politics. And then there was “Doggy in the Window”. Weird – and enough said.
When the raffle tickets came around, we dug deep. No one asked what the prizes were but heck, any of the usual indulgences would be fabulous and well received - a voucher for a massage, perhaps a book, or even a bottle of Moet. Yes please!
Well perhaps the winner did. Thank sweet baby Jesus that it wasn’t one of us.
The prize - the amazing prize - was a tequila shot. But not just any old tequila shot. This shot was to be drunk out of a glass placed on the chest of one of those fit young men. The salt was licked off his post exercised, sweaty belly and the lime sucked from his mouth. Fair play to the chicky babe who did ‘win’ - she did it with raucous cheers from the crowd. (Cheers of relief that it was her and not them!) People learn your lesson: always, but always check before you buy!
The show continued with more sequins, glittery eyelashes and exotic costumes that left very little to the imagination. But the WOW was a fully grown man taking a dip in a giant bird bath. Who on earth ever thought of that?
So what came through all this mayhem and outrageous energy was that we are all different. Looking around, the audience was a mix of young and old, gay and straight, tall and short, united in sharing this experience. And the men of ‘Briefs’ were also all different, both in their unique talents and their body shapes. Those men rocked their outfits and their confidence shone through. We can all learn a lot from these lovely entertainers. Own yourself, love yourself and remember ... always, but always ask what the raffle prize is!!
Briefs showing now at Auckland Q Theatre until Saturday 10th December.
