The Fringe has its share of comedy, sex, danger and beautiful people. But possibly no one show combines them all like Deep in the Forest: A Cautionary Cabaret.

The Fringe has its share of comedy, sex, danger and beautiful people. But possibly no one show combines them all like Deep in the Forest: A Cautionary Cabaret.

A love child of burlesque house Petit Cheval and (literally) off-the-wall fantasy innovators The Dust Palace, it’s bound to be a scorcher – even if that means being uncomfortable in certain places. Deep in the Forest promises a retake on bedtime fairytales that might raise the blood pressure rather than calm small children to sleep.

Renee Liang talked to perpetrators Callum Stembridge and Leda Petit about the dangers of the stage.

Burlesque and Fairytales don't, at first glance, mix. Why do you think that it does?

The modern idea of a fairy story is very safe, very tame; a sweet cartoon to entertain the kids. The true history of these tales is more dangerous.

They were cautionary stories that warned of a wild & treacherous world. The hazards that lay outside the safety of the village in those deep & dark forests were not pretty; the stories told were filled with malice & savagery. And yet they still had to be captivating. If the storyteller was not entertaining, the messages within the tales would be lost.

The same can be said for Cabaret & Burlesque in 2011. It can be predictable & quite tame. But the history for this form of theatre is of analysing, satirising & pushing what society considers safe.

So there is a link between the two, & naturally with Deep In the Forest we aim to pump some blood into the Brothers Grimm; make the stories visceral & venomous, more in tune with their original form.

What interesting theatrical innovations can we expect?

Deep in the Forest is a theatre-going experience that completely immerses its audience. Performances will not be relegated to the stage alone, rather the audience will experience acts as they travel around the venue space. Our cabaret creatures will be popping up in some unexpected places.

How did such a diverse and individually talented cast work together to make the show? Is there a lot of collaboration, or is each section being curated ?

Collaboration is always key to creating a strong cohesive show. Having such diverse & individually talented people working together means that you can give them free creative reign within the show's themes & structure. We've worked with the performers as they create their pieces to make sure what is planned will fit well with other acts & storylines.

Is there a moral to all this?

Never trust a tall handsome stranger with big sharp teeth? Unless of course you're into that sort of thing...

Why do you think that burlesque/cabaret shows are enjoying such popularity right now?

It's interesting to note that the last time burlesque/cabaret shows were so popular was during the Great Depression. I think that people enjoy the chance to go out & see some fun, sexy entertainment that is almost a parody of entertainment itself. It's loud, over the top & just a little bit naughty.

Deep in the Forest: A Cautionary Cabaret

8pm Tuesday 1st March to Sunday 6th March 2011 (No show Fridays) at Cassette Number Nine Upstairs 9 Vulcan Lane , Auckland Central Dinner & Show $37.50 - Dinner 6.30pm Show Only $25 / Concession $15 Groups $15 Bookings at iticket.co.nz www.thedustpalace.co.nz