Top 8 burlesque shows in Melbourne for a fun and wild night out!
Nightlife in Melbourne doesn’t only mean partying. While on some occasions, drinking and dancing are also part of burlesque shows, the whole concept is more than the typical night out.
If you’ve never seen one before, just imagine a theatre show mixed with a little bit of comedy and a whole lot of seduction. It’s glamorous, bold, and expressive — it’s a kind of night where the kids must be out of sight.
If you want to spice up your weekend night, we’ll help you find the best burlesque shows in Melbourne.
1. Shimmery Burlesque – Athenaeum Theatre
– Media credit: Shimmery Burlesque
Website: https://www.burlesquemelbourne.com/
Address: 188 Collins St.
Phone: +61396501500
The show tells the story of Lady Shimmery, an iconic dressmaker who turned into a Parisian cabaret designer. It’s a five-star show filled with daring costumes, vibrant lights, and heartfelt storytelling of Lady Shimmery’s journey to the spotlight.
The cast features diverse performers — mostly women — who grace the stage with an eye-catching performance complete with music, humor, and dance numbers.
They don’t hold back when it comes to props and costumes as well. About 200 costumes are rolled out throughout the whole show: corsets, rhinestone-encrusted gowns, feather fans, and so much more.
Everyone in the production ensures that each sequence, which marks the important milestones in Lady Shimmery’s life, is memorable.
Here’s a fun fact: Lady Shimmery’s daughter is the director of the show!
Many critics and regular attendees love the show because it’s not just about looking good; the story is well-written, too.
Pro tip:
The audience is encouraged to dress up for the show, so don’t be shy to embrace the glamour and wear your best clothes.
2. House of Burlesque
– Media credit: House of Burlesque
Website: http://www.houseofburlesque.com.au/
Address: Nicholas Building, Level 2/37 Swanston St.
Phone: +61410805878
Operating hours: 24 hours
The House of Burlesque holds multiple shows per week, giving patrons an opportunity to have a great night out.
No air is ever dead in any of their shows — expect comedic exchanges, playful strip-teasing, and crowd-engaging bits that will make you feel like part of the show.
The place is more compact than other venues, with a capacity of around 100 guests. It’s intimate, and a close-up view of the performance is guaranteed.
‘Speakeasy’ is one of their popular shows. It’s an exclusive show held every Saturday and requires a special method of entry.
Upon booking, expect to receive a special password, which you’ll have to whisper to the box office mistress; otherwise, you won’t be allowed to enter, so make sure to memorize the password before the show!
Pro tip:
On some shows, like Speakeasy, guests are welcome to stay after the show to dance and party. It’s also the time when the happy hour starts.
3. VIVA Melbourne
– Media credit: Viva Melbourne
Website: http://www.vivamelbourne.com.au/
Address: 64 Sutton St, North Melbourne
Phone: +61 1300 998 482
Operating hours:
- Tuesday 6:00 pm – 12:00 am
- Friday and Saturday 6:00 pm – 1:00 am
This is another venue that hosts multiple cabaret and burlesque shows all year round. From elegant sets to more exotic and provocative shows after hours — it’s up to you to choose your own entertainment.
The place is inspired by a 1920s spiegeltent, made modern with silk, velvet carpeting, and sequins.
You can combine your evening with food and cocktails. The house chef offers a special pan-Asian sharing menu with duck-fat popcorn, chicken karaage, and arancini — a great way to stay fueled in the midst of the high-energy ambiance.
The venue is intimate and can accommodate up to 100 guests. Many attendees are highly impressed by the shows that they would often describe as both “naughty and polished.”
Pro tip:
Guests often glam up in cocktail or 1920s-inspired looks. Dress the part so you’ll fit right into the mood.
4. The Vaudeville Revue – Speakeasy Theatre
– Media credit: Speakeasy Theatre
Website: http://www.speakeasytheatre.com.au/
Address: 522 Flinders St.
Phone: +61408313180
The Vaudeville Revue runs every Friday and Sunday evening. It’s a mashup of circus stunts, comedy, cabaret, and sultry burlesque — all wrapped up in a two-hour performance.
And it’s not just a simple performance that’s repeatedly run weekly; they shift the lineup regularly to showcase different kinds of stunts and skits.
Despite the small capacity (up to 60 guests), it ensures that you’re never far from the action.
Just a fair warning, though, this event is 18+, so the show may contain adult themes and obscene language. They can make an exception for 16+, but those guests must be accompanied by an adult guardian.
And get this: the night doesn’t end after the curtain call. You can stick around for some drinks, and you might even get the chance to have a toast with the performers.
Pro tip:
It’s better to secure a ticket in advance. While they accommodate walk-in guests, it’s not always guaranteed as their shows are frequently sold out.
5. The Butterfly Club
– Media credit: The Butterfly Club
Website: https://thebutterflyclub.com/
Address: entry via, 5 Carson Place, Little Collins St.
Phone: +61396638107
The Butterfly club is a small theatre and bar that hosts multiple shows, many of which include burlesque acts. Not only that, there are also cabarets, drag shows, spoken word segments, and more.
Most of the shows are short, typically around 50 to 60 minutes, perfect for a spontaneous after-work hangout. You can expect these shows to be lively and humorous, best enjoyed with a drink ordered from the bar.
What makes the place special is its support for inclusivity and artistic freedom. It’s LGBTQ+ friendly and continuously rotates acts featuring local artists.
Pro tip:
Since the venue rotates its shows weekly, it’s best to check their calendar for theme nights so you’ll know which shows to catch.
6. Xclusive – The Show
– Media credit: Xclusive – The Show
Website: http://www.xclusivetheshow.com.au/
Phone: +61403552045
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
Xclusive brings a rather unique twist to their performances, combining circus, dance, and burlesque in one show.
They often tour around Australia to bring their epic performances to various cities, including Melbourne, Canberra, Auckland, and more. The production is led by award-winning choreographer Sidney Saayman.
Compared to a typical burlesque show, where it’s mostly women, Xclusive’s cast is a male-dominated group often dressed as cowboys.
Audience participation is encouraged as well!
Pro tip:
For special occasions, consider booking a VIP table. It comes with a drink package and an exclusive meet-and-greet with the cast.
7. Burlesque Showboat Cruise
– Media credit: The Burlesque Showboat
Website: https://www.burlesqueshowboat.com.au/
Address: Pier VH08, 131 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands
Operating hours: Saturday 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm
If you want to experience a burlesque show in a slightly different venue, then come aboard and witness the Burlesque Showboat Cruise. This event, in particular, is the longest-running burlesque show in Melbourne.
The name itself already gives you an idea of what it is about: a burlesque show on a cruise. You will board the Lady Cutler, a refurbished Lady-class ferry, and it will take you on a cruise along the Yarra River.
The ticket price includes a welcome drink and canapes served throughout the cruise. Of course, you can order other drinks from their bar.
The show is available every Sunday and will run for three hours. For tickets, you can score a great deal if you come in a group of 10 or more.
And just a heads up: photography is strictly prohibited during the show.
Pro tip:
Boarding starts at 7:00 pm. We suggest arriving early as the seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
8. The Sugar Showgirls
– Media credit: The Sugar Showgirls
Website: https://www.thesugarshowgirls.com.au/
Phone: +61432967533
The Sugar Showgirls is a burlesque touring group based in Melbourne. They travel around Victoria, bringing cabaret, burlesque, and dance into one show.
Their shows vary by venue, and oftentimes, the tickets may come with a three-course dinner and cocktails.
The production, including the costumes and stage setup, screams elegance. Yet it doesn’t fall short on the fun factor, as it balances the sultry element of burlesque with cheeky and playful humor.
Pro tip:
If you’re celebrating something, notify the team ahead of time via their website. The host often throws in a shoutout.