Article by Sarah McNeill
Leederville burlesque performer and producer Jessica Gough says the Perth International Burlesque Festival has a reputation as one of the most fun and inclusive events around the world.
“We celebrate diversity here and put a lot of effort into creating shows that are both fun and progressive,” she said.
Jessica performs as The Sugar Duchess and took over running the annual festival eight years ago through her company Tease Industries.
Now in its 13th year, the festival is attracting headliners like Raquel Reed, who produces The Jiggle Room and the Sin City Burlesque Festival in Las Vegas.
With 15 years of experience dazzling audiences in high-profile Las Vegas shows like Absinthe at Caesars Palace, the burlesque powerhouse was voted one of the top 10 performers in the world.
Australia’s pocket dynamo Kelly Ann Doll is the reigning Miss Viva Las Vegas 2025 and brings nearly two decades of explosive energy, razor-movement.
“People embraced the art of burlesque because it celebrated every body, no matter what size, age or gender, and now inclusivity is a natural part of the conversation,” she said.
“Burlesque reminds us that there is no one kind of beauty and no matter what age or gender we are, burlesque is a beautiful blend of performance artists, cabaret, dance, music and tease.”
The Perth International Burlesque Festival has more than 120 performers of burlesque and tease, with showgirls, drag queens, circus and variety acts and musicians coming from the US, UK and across Australia.
The festival begins on Thursday October 9 at The Court in Northbridge, with community event Peep Show.
The pre-festival charity showcases community and emerging performers to celebrate the diverse world of burlesque. All proceeds from the event go to Minus18, Australia’s charity improving the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth.
The festival’s opening night event is The Tease Factory on Friday October 23 at The Court, featuring the cream of international and local talent.
Club Burlesque Gala on Saturday October 24 is at the State Theatre Centre for a powerhouse line-up of burlesque royalty.
The festival ends with Glitter Crash – a late night after-party event at Connections Nightclub.
Photo Captions:
Festival director Jessica Gough, left, trans performer Kitty Obsidian, middle, and headliner Kelly Ann Doll, right.
Pocket dynamo Kelly Ann Doll sharp musicality and rapid-fire footwork to the festival.
“Fierce, fat and fAboriginal” trans performer Kitty Obsidian brings an award-winning brand of ferocious activism to the stage.
For details and tickets go to perthburlesquefestival.com/events.
