Review: 99 Red Hot Kitties and a Cockatoo, Fringe 2024

It was well into Fringe, and Birdy had seen nowhere near enough burlesque – thankfully, there were 99 Red Hot Kitties and a Cockatoo to the rescue!

It was night six of 99 Kitties and a Cockatoo when I rocked up to enjoy a fabulous 50 minutes of burlesque.

My thought process midway through this show: “I’m going to get a sore throat with all this whooping.” — But it was entirely warranted, and I absolutely regret nothing.

I first heard about 99 Red Hot Kitties and a Cockatoo at last year’s Fringe (you can read that review here) and as a burlesque lover, I was glad I had. This is a show that includes all levels of experience, body types and genders.

It’s a burlesque show for everyone to enjoy, and definitely something I want to support here at the Fringe (or any other time of the year).

The format

If this isn’t your first burlesque rodeo, you’ll already have a good idea of the format. There’s a host whose main job is to get the energy up in the room – and keep it up (ooh-err) whilst introducing each act of the night, encouraging the audience to go wild.

We’re also explained the rules of burlesque (make a lot of noise whenever an act does something you appreciate, don’t touch the performers, don’t steal the clothes, yadda-yadda-yadda), and find out who in the audience is a burlesque virgin.

I should also mention how this particular show is billed as a “revolving door of burlesque performers” – the ‘kitties’ – and so what you get is actually different each night. Definitely an excuse to go see it more than once!

The vibe

I really enjoy the vibe of 99 Red Hot Kitties and a Cockatoo, because it’s body positive, inclusive and supportive – it’s clearly a nurturing environment for new and seasoned performers alike to feel safe and encouraged to shine in their acts.

I know I’ve only been to two of their shows now, but I notice these things; it feels like a little family (the host was apparently sewing rhinestones onto a bra in his front room the night before!).

If I were ever interested in getting into burlesque, this is probably where I’d go. Maybe that’s a testament to Karyn, the director.

There was also a bigger crowd than my visit last year, which was nice to see.

The show itself

As expected, I was treating to a diverse range of performers who were all ready to delight and astound with their acts.

The audience whooped their way through burlesque performed with chairs, to full on high-energy dancing, along with teasing and seductive moves, and a naughty nanny/housekeeper (my favourite, BTW).

Some of the costumes (such as the wings with beautiful fairy lights – and here was me thinking they looked incredible BEFORE the lights went out) were to die for.

When the incredibly sexy male performer confidently commanded the stage, I got a tie discarded into my lap (DON’T steal the clothes!). He lapped up the attention, and the audience went wild.

I also really enjoyed the drag standup act, who had made it over from Sunny Glasgow apparently as a favour, and who basically just took a seat and had us all in giggles.

It seemed like the show passed in no time, and I was ready to do it all again! Well, maybe next year. I had such a fabulous time at 99 Red Hot Kitties and a Cockatoo, and I hope you do, too!

Overall

99 Red Hot Kitties and a Cockatoo is an inclusive, body positive burlesque cabaret show encompassing all levels of performers, and a well-run ship to boot! You can feel the love and support in the room, and I hope this highly entertaining show only gets bigger every year.