You can count on Macau to deliver world class-performances. After all, it’s Asia’s entertainment hub. But what’s new this summer? Enter Taboo, a seductive cabaret performance directed by the man behind The House of Dancing Water, Franco Dragone.

We attended a media preview of the spectacle and were told by producer Jay Smith to expect a ‘naughty and naughtier show’ that would ‘shatter taboos’ in an interactive performance. The real performance kicked off when a group of dancers – ladies wearing corsets and holding long cigarette holders, and men wearing black suits (without shirts, of course) – kicked off the action. The scene then transformed into a violent struggle with anger in the performers’ expressions accompanied by crazy dancing and much feet-dragging.

As the show went on, we wondered when the interactive elements would come into play. But the closest we got was when three male dancers tossed their jackets into the audience. Mezzo soprano singer Jennlee Shallow, who has performed with Cirque du Soleil and in The Lion King, stepped on to the stage and sung Falling by Alicia Keys. After this we saw Lucky Hell, a tattooed Finnish girl, dangerously swallow a 22-inch sword. We deemed her as the highlight of the show – she impressively continued to dance with a sword inside her gastrointestinal tract. The night continued on in a similar vein with a total of 10 performances.

Although it was indeed a sexy night as advertised, Taboo didn’t live up to its expectations – taboos were simply not shattered and interactions between the performers as well as our hostesses were nearly non-existent. Half of the performances were based on acrobatic performances and even though we enjoyed it, we had seen it before – it wasn’t new. So, don’t hop on the ferry just for this show. But if you happen to be in the vicinity it could be worthwhile popping in. The experience doesn’t come cheap, though – the only way you can catch the 90-minute performance is by booking a $2,000 table for two, which includes champagne and canapés.

After the performance ended, Jay Smith reminded us the media preview was just a glimpse at the real performance which debuted on Friday June 29. He ended the night with a charming grin across his face, saying ‘we hope you feel naughty’. But were we feeling naughty? Not quite. With a theme like Taboo, we were expecting something racier.

Jacky Lee

Taboo runs at Club Cubic, City of Dreams, Macau, from June 29 to September 15. Shows are on from Wednesday to Saturday from 10pm-11pm. $2,000 for table for two to $28,800 for table for eight, includes Champagne and Canapés. 18+ only. Check here for more info: www.cityofdreamsmacau.com/taboo.