Sizzling in stilettos: Perth circus performer has the tricks

A blended cocktail of sexuality, mystery and darkness, with a dash of chaos and stiletto garnish.

This is the libation Matthew Pope is serving through his stagecraft, and everyone is invited to take a sip.

The Perth circus performer is a recognisable face for Fringe goers, having starred in a long list of shows in the 15 years since he has been swinging from spiegeltent rafters.

Pope’s latest role is on the line-up for local company Tone and Cheek’s saucy romp Club D’Amour, which will return to The Rechabite next month for an encore season after selling out at Fringe World earlier this year.

The show is billed as a fusion of Moulin Rouge, 50 Shades of Grey and Rocky Horror, and Pope promises it is as hot as it sounds.

“The overall vibe of the show is about being able to express all different types and parts of one’s body and identity,” he says.

“It’s playful, it’s exciting and really welcoming.”

The spicy antics will be spliced with high-level skills as some of WA’s most talented performers join ranks on the Club D’Amour cast.

“I am really excited to be performing an act on trapeze that has never been shown in Perth before,” Pope says.

While his beginnings were as a gymnast, it is through burlesque Pope has honed his craft.

He claimed the prestigious title of Mx Burlesque WA last year, which he admits came as a surprise as he purposefully did not rely on any circus tricks in his routine out of respect to the artform.

Pope says weaving burlesque into his repertoire has allowed him to explore different sides of his personality, sexuality and creativity.

“Burlesque is one of those really special artforms where you do get vulnerable, you are exposing a lot of yourself, but it’s out of liberation and appreciation for the body,” he says.

“It’s the best love letter someone can give to themselves.”

Club D’Amour is on at The Rechabite from July 5-8. Tickets are via Megatix.