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Saturday 16 January 2021

'Magic Mike Live': REVIEW

'Magic Mike Live' is the tonic we all need right now.

Let's get some questions out of the way immediately, the ones I have been asked already, and perhaps some you may be wondering yourself...


- is there full frontal nudity?

No. There isn't. One lad comes pretty close... though he leaves his hat on.


- can blokes come along?

Of course! We spotted a few guys in the crowd, and they were having a brilliant time. Plus, there's some eye candy for them too...


- do the performers get you up on stage?

Well, yes and no. A few lucky people are called up... but I will leave the rest for you to find out, as half the fun are the surprises in store for you at this show


- is this a strip show?

While there is plenty of shedding of clothing, it's not a straight up nudie-rudie strip show. There is much more to it than that. Yep, a really fun storyline you'll love to see unfold.

The official Magic Mike Live Australia site says it best:

No. Magic Mike Live is a high-end production show in a state-of-the-art venue with some of the most talented dancers from around the world performing amazing choreography amidst over-the-top production values. It’s a place where women can feel what it’s like to exist in a world where their desires are heard and they are treated like goddesses…a place where they feel comfortable and proud.



- is 'Magic Mike Live' exactly like the storyline of the movie/s?

No, it loosely follows the film's story hook where the protagonist kinda finds his truth and purpose through dancing/getting his kit off, but it's more like a bawdy, fun cabaret where women are left feeling rather empowered...


- does Channing Tatum feature in the show?

No, sadly.


Says the site:


Channing is the director and creator of the show and does not appear in it, but as Channing often says, he “can’t wait until he’s in Magic Mike shape” so he can perform in the show! He also loves to surprise audience members by turning up at shows every now and then, so do keep an eye out!



- Where is Magic Mike Live held?

In Sydney, it is located at The Entertainment Quarter (aka Fox Studios).

Says the site:

Australia will recreate the mythical club in The Arcadia, the world’s largest Spiegeltent, named after the ancient Greek Utopia. The Arcadia is a beautiful two storey, fully-customized venue where every detail has been meticulously curated by Channing and the Magic Mike Live creative team especially for the women of Australia.


How do I get there?

- Fox Studios, Entertainment Quarter, park in the parking station and walk towards where the markets as usually held, and you can't miss the Spiegeltent just beside it


More info:

Guests are encouraged to arrive 45 minutes prior to the start of the performance to enjoy food and cocktails or just take in the atmosphere and details created for your experience.

Says the site:

The show will start promptly as advertised and we recommend all patrons take their seats upon arrival. Please note that beverage service will also be provided in the venue throughout the performance. 


The seating varies. We were given a front row seat (see @josiesjuicejournalist for pics) on a comfy lounge, where the people next to us where well spaced away.

Yes, you need to wear masks. No, it's not big deal, and in my case, you will be eating and drinking most of the time anyway...

You can buy drinks at the bar before the show, there is no intermission, and the show is 90 minutes long. Or order the drinks and food straight to you while you enjoy the show.

You will want to come early so you can experience the incredible Spiegeltent.

It's designed by Belgium's Rik Klessens, and INSANE! Rik's family has been constructing te travelling 'magic mirror tents' since the 1920s.

Says the site about the bar offerings...


A full bar with specialty cocktails and a selection of wine, prosecco and traditional cocktails will be available in The Arcadia lobby prior to the performance.  Patrons can also enjoy a mini-food hall and pay one low price to sample a variety of curated snacks and mini-meals prior to or following the show. Bottle service, champagne, cocktails and other beverages are also available throughout the show from our waitstaff.  We encourage patrons to come early and stay late to enjoy the unique indoor-outdoor atmosphere and delicious food and drink offerings. 


 A final word about the show.

'Magic Mike Live' is an extravaganza.

The ensemble of dancers are a professional lot.

Blake Varga, who was front and centre on the night we went only (some performers vary from night to night) has performed with Kelly Rowland and Guy Sebastian.

Another dancer, Charles Bartley, has danced in 'The Great Gatsby', the Baz Luhrmann blockbuster.

Sam Marks has toured globally with 'Tap Dogs', and aerial performer and dancer Ned Zaina has been a principal dancer with Opera Australia, and was dance head at 'Turandot'.

Max Francisco (not a guy, an incredibly talented woman) is INSANE. She was dripping wet by the end of her performance, and you'll have to watch it to know what I mean...

And Amy Ingram, take a bow.

She's the MC for the show, and makes a clever entrance which almost had us. Think next level sass and unicorns and female empowerment.

The male MC who introduces the show is so good, I wish I knew his name. Funny, clever, and has you thinking he'll run the whole show... he commands the stage for a short while, then makes way for the laydeez.

Alison Faulk is the co director and choreographer. She says: "Just watch an incredible show... forget your troubles and just laugh, sweat, dance, have fun."

Vincent Marini is the Executive Producer, and says: "Every fabric that we chose in the theatre, every piece of lighting... the idea was to make it feel it personalised for every person in the audience, and to experience this huge extravaganza on one level, but on another level feel like we are speaking specifically and uniquely to each person."

No matter who you are, what you do for a living, who you in corporate world, I guarantee you will LOVE this show.

Go see it!

On until April 2021.

Tickets and info here:

https://magicmikelive.com.au

Some moments here (all photos: Peter Brew Bevan):