Artists relax in karaoke haven
Long after the other 60 Fringe World venues close for the night, The Budgie Smuggler will still be full and squawking.
The inventively named Fringe artists' club is bedecked in a nautical theme and stalked by Polytoxic, a karaoke "back-up service" dance trio.
They entertain the after-hours crowd by calling up karaoke contestants to be fitted out in costumes that reflect the chosen tunes - and then they provide the back-up dancing.
Polytoxic member Lisa Fa'alafi called their back-up show a karaoke experience like no other and a tribute to the crimes and conquests of pop culture.
"We like to give people the red-carpet service with champagne and the full dress-up, including wigs, lashes and shoes," Fa'alafi said.
"People have been repeatedly coming back to get the chance to be a superstar with us."
She said The Budgie Smuggler, in the Artrage Bakery complex in Northbridge, was a place where performers could mix and unwind away from the spotlight.
Adam Krandle, who performs in the New York duo Trixie and Monkey, said such a venue was a welcome haven for touring artists.
"It is awesome to have that place where your performing family can hang out and see each other again," Krandle said. "I am seeing people I used to hang out with in Edinburgh and London.
"And it is nice to have drink specials in a city where everything is so expensive."
