“BRIEFS: CLOSE ENCOUNTERS is an insanely uplifting
show as the Briefs boys blend and bend the rules with their
out of this world circus skills, drop dead gorgeous drag,
raucous comedy, and trademark punkish swagger. Briefs: Close Encounters is unique,
magnificently slick and genre-defying spectacular show that gloriously breaks all the rules
as it takes its audience to the third dimension! Seriously, the perfect night out for everyone
16+ over the festive season!
This masculine troupe of seriously gorgeous guys from Oz is led by the beautiful, sassy
and fabulous emcee, Shivannah, aka Artistic Director Fez Fa’anana. The cast of buff
characters includes: one of Australia’s leading circus showmen Captain Kidd (2011’s Las
Vegas King of Burlesque); acrobat and clownish time-hopping rabbit Dale Woodbridge-
Brown (Kamilaroi boy and proud of his Aboriginal heritage); superstar aerialist Thomas
Worrell, defying gravity and tying himself in knots above the crowd; and youngest member
of Briefs, the loveable rogue and boy wonder Louis Biggs, who steals the hearts of
audiences throughout the show. Finally, a Brit has landed in the hallowed troupe: Harry
Clayton-Wright is the Blackpool boy done good, an anarchic provocateur, performance
artist and so much more!
Briefs Factory celebrates 10 years by breaking through the glass ceiling and explode on
London’s West End scene with the life affirming BRIEFS: CLOSE ENCOUNTERS, as the
Briefs warriors journey through space to the future where there is a place for everyone.
What more could you want from a joyous and celebratory festive show?! BRIEFS: CLOSE
ENCOUNTERS = Christmas with a glitter ball on top!!”
Review by Richard Lambert, 5 Stars
With Christmas very much geared to family and children’s activities this show is a must-see treat for the rest of us. It’s glam and in the fast lane! There’s comedy, circus skills, cabaret, clever concepts all in a slickly designed package ready to be unwrapped as a gift.
Each performer is unique – in style and look. The only common link is their campery and commitment to the performance. Each and every one of them bringing a speciality act to top off their group numbers. The outstanding performer is Harry Clayton-Wright who brings us a little musical theatre imagery complete with chair and standard lamp to a Kate Bush’s “Running up that Hill” – an adagio number he performs with so many complicated lifts to exceed anything you’ll see in the West End. And who doesn’t love a cutie who performs a strip number while juggling? Louis Biggs gets us all hot under the collar while performing acrobatics and juggling. And the aerialist provides death-defying hangs and drops and the fastest spin you’ll ever see!!! Ever!!!!
The Group numbers are all staged exceptionally well! Starting with a Soundscape punch and lighting accent to get the adrenaline flowing, these attention grabbing numbers are glorious in execution! Even the overhead structure raises and lowers choreographed to the Music. With costumes and stunning visual imagery (Dallas Dellafroce and Paul Lim) it’s a well rehearsed show of performance and attitude over anything complicated – a textbook for the old adage “it’s not what you do but how you do it!” And they do it with style and flair!
If there was one criticism it would be that for a show with a lot of lip sync you do need a Sound system that can provide clarity of diction. The Sound was very bassy which would be great for the late-nightclub sessions but not so good for hearing the lyrics.
This party atmosphere show in the new “Christmas in Leicester Square” provides a welcome fresh alternative to the cattle-crushing commercialisation of Winter Wonderland. Here, you can get in and out in just a few minutes should you wish! And there are the Christmas market stalls around the Spiegeltent to add interest before and after “Briefs”.
You’ll have a great and awesome time in the company of the Briefs Boys!
Click here for Video Trailer: BRIEFS CLOSE ENCOUNTERS
Ticket link: Click here
Further Information
BRIEFS: CLOSE ENCOUNTERS
Director: Fez Fa’anana
Musical Director: Busty Beatz
Lighting Design: Paul Lim
Costume Design: Dallas Dellaforce
Executive Producer: Linda Catalano
Cast includes:
Host: Fez Fa’anana
Captain Kidd
Thomas Worrell
Louis Biggs
Harry Clayton-Wright
Dale Woodbridge-Brown
Brett Rosengreen
BRIEFS: CLOSE ENCOUNTERS – The world’s hottest all-male boylesque group will grab Christmas by the baubles in their dazzling new show Dates: Friday 9 November 2018 – Thursday 3 January 2019
8 weeks only!!
Times: 7.30pm Wednesday – Sunday (additional performance Tuesday 18th December) Matinees 3pm Saturday (except 22nd December)
Running Time: 100 mins – including interval
Age: Recommended 16+
Ticket Prices:
Previews: 9th November 7.30pm and 10th November 3pm – stalls £21.50/ Posh Seats £26.50/ Private Booth £151.50 Friday – Sunday – Stalls £35.50/ Posh Seats £41.50/ Private Booth £221.50
Wednesday – Thursday – Stalls £28.50/ Posh Seats £35.50/ Private Booth £186.50
Press Night: Wednesday 14th November 2018 at 7.30pm
BRAT KIDS CARNIVAL – high-energy super fun variety show for all the family
Dates: Saturday 10 November 2018 – Sunday 30 December
Times: Saturday: 11am and 1pm
Sunday: 1pm and 3pm
Wednesday – Friday from 12 December: 3pm
Briefs Factory is an Australian creative collective who manufacture, cultivate and present evocative, irreverent, physical performance. Best known for their flagship project Briefs, the company’s work also includes Hot Brown Honey, Club Briefs, Brat Kids Carnival and now Slumber Party. Inspired by circus, drag, dance, burlesque, music, comedy and the ever- changing world around them, Briefs Factory are dedicated to developing and touring their brand of award winning, genre defying, political party punk around the world. f: @briefsfactory | t: @briefsfactory | i: @briefsfactory | w: briefsfactory.com