Outrageously salacious, Wanderlust brings circus, comedy and kink to its Edinburgh debut at Assembly George Square Garden (Spiegeltent Palais du Variété). The show is produced by Australian dance company Masters of Choreography, formed by Jennifer and Milo Masters.
Wanderlust does not hold back, producing unrestrained entertainment. A team of pumped-up dancers build and sustain the audience’s hype, aided by a playlist of club and chart anthems. Host Jonno is crude, camp and feisty, winning over even the most reserved audience members. Dildos, whips and paddles at the ready, the cast welcome the audience to join them in an hour of liberating hedonism.
That being said, the sexuality of the performance does not detract from its sensational artistry, and Wanderlust is much more than a lewd extravaganza. Featuring aerial performance, pole dancing, burlesque, contortionism, and routines that take you by complete surprise, nothing feels out of place as the audience learns to expect the unexpected. Jonno’s humorous live vocals are nothing less than outstanding, and the choreography allows the audience time to marvel at the jaw-dropping tableaus that the show creates.
The thrust runway staging creates an immersive experience that enables audience members to see each other, amplifying the party atmosphere while exposing the dark horses in the room. The lighting fits the nuanced vibes of each number, which it should be noted includes strobe lighting.
It is by no means a criticism of the performance to say that this is not a show for everyone. As the Edinburgh Fringe page highlights, the show contains audience participation, nudity, scenes of a sexual nature and strong language, with an age guideline of 16+. If leaving your inhibitions at the door makes you genuinely uncomfortable, this might not be the show for you. If this combination of obscenities sounds like a good time, then Wanderlust is absolutely for you.
