Latest Reviews

The voluptuous Kiwi Penny Ashton’s romp through the sex industry is a fact-a-minute ride from porn films to fetish, songs, audience participation and weird and wacky ideas explored to various degrees. Hot Pink Bits Rides Again is not a show for the whole family or for those squeamish about sex, as anyone, at any moment, may be asked to fake an orgasm into the microphone, dance a strip tease or take part in re-enacting a 1970’s porn flick.

Ashton, can-can girl/burlesque queen/purveyor of sketchy fact (she admits her research comes from Goggle and Wikipedia - not always the most reliable sources), moves at a mile a minute. There is little chance to catch a breath with this woman who seems genuinely fascinated by the oddities and eccentricities of sexuality. Whether reeling out the titles of funny porn star names or using a ‘cock’ puppet to do an x-rated rendition of My Favorite Things, she maintains a cracking pace, introducing each segment with a new and interesting sexual fact.

The show relies heavily on audience involvement and it can be tricky to build a vibe with a small house, especially in light of the material she is working with. Such was the case Thursday night, but Ashton persevered and the punters warmed up. She rewarded them with condoms and sex trinkets and made the effort to involve all of the audience, who were, luckily, quite obliging.

There is fun material in this show and Ashton is an engaging, sassy performer. There is something very real and natural about her (I can imagine her dagging around her house in a baggy t-shirt and old trackies when she isn’t on stage in her hyper-sexed persona), which is appealing.

As a night’s entertainment, Hot Pink Bits Rides Again is best suited to a bustling atmospheric venue where a crowd can really feel relaxed to go with Ashton’s fast-paced naughtiness. That isn’t exactly the case in The Quilt Room at Trades Hall, but, for those with a fascination or even mild curiosity for the sexually bizarre, it’s worth a visit to the Mistress Pink.


Penash Productions
Hot Pink Bits Rides Again

Venue: Trades Hall | 2 Lygon Street, Carlton Sth
Dates: 19th Mar - 13th Apr
Times: Tue - Sun 9.15pm
Duration: 60 minutes
Prices: Full $22, Conc $18
Bookings: 9659 3569 & at the door