Review by Yasmin Elahi
Brisbane Festival sees the city come alive each year with theatre, art and entertainment. This year, the famous Brisbane River itself has become a venue. BRIEFS FACTORY has curated a unique drag burlesque cabaret show for 2025, taking place on board a gorgeous boat that voyages along the river. Equipped with neon lights, chandeliers and a spectacular runway, The Art Boat is the perfect immersive experience for a Friday afternoon, and a great way to kick start the weekend.
Departing from South Bank, the experience ran for just over one hour. As audiences boarded the boat, they were treated to a floating theatre, complete with a variety of seating options, DJ booth, sound and lighting and an elevated runway stage, ensuring maximum visibility of the performances. The boat itself had an onboard bar and kitchen, as well as three levels for prime viewing of Brisbane landmarks.
Once underway, the audience was in the capable hands of Fez Faanana, drag performer extraordinaire. Their effervescent energy and charm turned up the good vibes and they had a natural stage presence and rapport that instantly made them a likeable and captivating host.’
One of the highlights was early in the performance - Brett Rosengreen’s high class strip tease - a naughty way to begin the evening’s entertainment. Totally different but just as entertaining was the relaxed ukelele sing-along with more than a healthy amount of audience participation. Gymnastics met striptease as one performer spun in a giant hoop while removing ALL of his clothes. Full nudity on the Brisbane River is something only Brisbane Festival could offer. Then a cheeky Macarena with even more audience participation and nipple tassels.
In between these acts, the DJ played some sets, allowing audience members to mingle, get drinks at the bar and enjoy the twilight views of the river. The cabaret numbers married nautical themes with quirky, avant-garde conception, leading to an intriguing mix of relaxing river cruise and dynamic drag show.
Overall, the show was an immersive, eclectic mix of drag, burlesque and cabaret, with a nautical theme. The costumes were sumptuous, the performances were flamboyant and the setting was breathtaking. All these combined to create a fun and unexpected evening that left audiences energised and uplifted.
Image Supplied