Briefs: The Works - Fringe World 2026

Reviewed by Kate O'Sullivan

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There’s a reason Briefs is always one of the first names that comes up when people ask what to see at Fringe World each year. That trademark high energy is firmly intact, and The Works proves that even in their 18th year, Briefs Factory knows exactly how to throw a party.

The show is well structured, flowing smoothly from stunning aerial work into clowning, drag and burlesque and back again. A special mention should go to Matthew Pope, whose beautifully restrained aerial performance as the first main act provides a moment of quietness and grace that immediately draws the room in. It’s a smart opening choice, setting a strong emotional and visual foundation for the chaos, comedy and spectacle that follows. That push and pull between jaw-dropping athleticism and gleeful absurdity is where Briefs: The Works really shines.

Because this is very much an anniversary show, The Works leans into a greatest-hits vibe, revisiting and remixing elements audiences have loved over the years. That does make it feel a little less cohesive than some previous Briefs Factory shows, but it’s clearly intentional, and it never comes at the expense of the talent on stage. If anything, it feels like being invited into a celebratory collage of what Briefs Factory does best.

There are plenty of standout moments along the way. Evil Hate Monkey brings big laughs with his unmistakable physical comedy, Kitty Bang Bang’s fire act is slick, controlled and impressive, and Captain Kidd’s penultimate performance blends aerial skill with cheeky boylesque flair in a way that keeps the audience utterly captivated.

The show does run about ten minutes over time, but honestly, it’s hard to complain. The energy stays high right through, and by the end it feels like extra value rather than indulgence.

Bold, polished and unapologetically fun, Briefs: The Works is a joyful reminder of why this company has remained a Fringe favourite for so long. If you’re looking for a night that mixes circus skill with outrageous humour and a whole lot of sparkle, Briefs still delivers...and then some.

Reviewer Note: Tickets for this review were provided by the performance company.