Perth’s Champagne Showgirls are inviting audiences aboard Carousel, their brand new Fringe World show. But be warned, says Showgirls’ founder, producer and performer Hayley Williams, this fairground ride is not for the faint-hearted.

Williams describes Carousel as “a hypnotic place ruled by the conductor Nix, a magical collector of beautiful creatures which are trapped on his carousel for your viewing pleasure.”

Bringing together aerials, burlesque, dance, acrobatics and live music, she says Carousel will take you on “a journey of dreamy deception and intrigue”.

Nina Levy took a quick spin with Williams to get the lowdown on Champagne Showgirls and their latest offering to Fringe World audiences.

Nina Levy: Hayley, for Seesaw Mag readers who don’t know Champagne Showgirls, can you tell us about the group and your work? 

Hayley Williams: Champagne Showgirls was winner of Australia’s Best Burlesque Production at the 2020 XAWARDS and was voted Best Cabaret and Variety Show at Fringe Festival 2021 by The West Australian Newspaper.

Champagne Showgirls took out these amazing awards by dominating the cabaret burlesque scene. Champagne Showgirls is a collective group of performers at the top of their entertainment fields. 

NL: Tell us about Carousel, the work you are presenting and performing in at Fringe World 2023.

HW: Carousel will be our most jam-packed production, covering all aspects of dance, burlesque, circus and cabaret.

NL: What is the story behind Champagne Showgirls, and this new production?

HW: Champagne Showgirls has been operating since 2015 and is a massive part of the Australian showgirl scene. I started the business by wanting to keep the standard high for entertainment and showmanship around Australia.

Carousel was created with my father, straight after he had a serious cancer surgery, so this production has a lot of hidden meaning and dedication to my dad, Mark Williams.

Our show this year is filled with fantasy-based storylines, but with the sexiness of a traditional burlesque production. We love bringing our Perth audience together to celebrate after the dark time of COVID lockdowns.

NL: Take us behind the scenes – what happens during the rehearsal process for a Champagne Showgirls show?

HW: We have such a funny group of personalities on this production, every rehearsal is filled with laughter and lewd jokes! We’re trying not corrupt our new innocent members especially Zoe Luxford and Vaughan Thompson.

NL: Aside from your own show, what are you looking forward to seeing during the 2023 summer festivals seasons?

HW: Fringe is like our month-long Christmas, so much fun to be had. Champagne Showgirls cabaret team loves supporting the other cabaret groups by heading out on nights of to cheer on our fellow performers.

NL: What’s next for Champagne Showgirls after this?

HW: Adelaide Fringe 2023 with the Wonderland Spiegletent at the Wonderland Festival Hub. From there we are in talks with an international event for mid 2023.

NL: What is your favourite part of the playground?

HW: We love the swing! A constant adrenaline rush.

Carousel plays Villa at Villa Nightclub, 21 January – 5 February 2023.

Pictured top: The Champagne Showgirls