deLightfully Scarlet: A Vintage Affair
Show Date: 26th July 2026, reviewed by Danielle Aquilina, Zesty Productions ★★★★½
Scarlet Tinkabelle and Sophie DelightfulIt’s the tits!
Delightful in name and nature, Sophie Delightful and Scarlet Tinkabelle bring the deep-seated roots of tease and taunt of vintage burlesque to the Darwin stage. Now, Darwin loves a cabaret, and they love boobs, this I know. But something that A Vintage Affair did differently was the addition of live vocals from the husky chords of Delightful. Paired with sensual contrast with Tinkerbell’s seemingly innocent persona we find quickly is anything butt.
This tastefully naughty duo bring sugar and spice to the stage with audience cheers from the very top of the show. The sparkles and glittery gowns, with quaffed colourful curls set the stage for the vintage affair that takes up back in time.
Delightful as the host interacts with the crowd, playing with cheeky charisma and a 1920’s finger wave curl she finds her mark early on and does not let go. The bourbon warm vocals start as they Let Us Entertain You and we are as captivated by this modern day Gypsy.
Followed quickly by the comedic and sensual striptease of Tinkabelle, in her first of seven costumes changes. The vintage influence can be seen in both her outfits and her movements as she masterfully commands both feather and fabric fans in hypnotic motion and flirts with the audience through the plumage of feathers.
They alternate between stage time as Delightful educates us on the origin of songs best known for having been covered with their roots in the vintage era, with a personal rendition of Feeling Good and homage to Nina Simone, and we are definitely left feeling goood. With a power ballad approach at the key change, Delightful invites the audience to “sing along if you know the words” as the music swells to a crescendo; Delightful has our full attention.
The storytelling skills that both Tinkerbell and Delightful have through movement and voice reflect the deep passion they have for their craft and the origins of burlesque and it is a thrill to see how they own a space. Which they did share on multiple occasions, working in tandem it’s clear that these two are best friends both on and off the stage.
Tinkerbell with her dancing flames, her tulle and ruffles and costume change. The hanky panky of the audience spanking all while platforming in six inch heels is a true credit to these entertainers.
Hard to keep your eyes off, and wholesome to the end. A Vintage Affair is as playful as it is poignant, and a true daytime (or nighttime) delight!
