How to Flirt: The TED XXX Talk is a fun and interactive comedy lecture with a lot going for it. The host Stephen Porters (played by drag king Daisy Doris May) is a well-crafted, likeable and confident anchorman who engages the audience well from the outset. He interacts positively with the audience - a pivotal necessity considering the nature of the show - and it's clear early on that everyone here is up for some fun.
It's rare to be encouraged to openly flirt with strangers in a safe space
As he guides us through the art of flirting, while maintaining respect for the object of your flirtations and the value of consent, it occurs that this show could function as a highly effective speed awareness course equivalent for those flagged up by victims of the #MeToo movement. Despite the comedy nature of the show, there are still valuable underlying messages and useful tips that people can learn from. Consent is a running theme, though it's never rammed down our throats, and is dealt with maturely, while not making any statements of real substance - instead focusing on keeping the show fun and interactive without being too 'lecture-y'.
There are sections that don't really go anywhere, though it never drags, and Porters maintains a positive and harmonious atmosphere across the room throughout the show. Audience members are strongly encouraged to introduce themselves to nearby strangers and spark up conversations with compliments or trivia. This was a great highlight as it's rare to be encouraged to openly flirt with strangers in a safe space, and I engaged a lovely young lady in a quick chat, but also felt some resentment towards the venue staff for seating me surrounded by older men who I was less inclined to engage with. This doesn't cost the show any stars, but inspires the suggestion that audience members should be more aware of their seating position than in other shows.
Regarding the 'nudity' tag, there isn't any, so don't let that figure into your decision to attend. Some of his enunciations are a little unclear and it never feels like the writing is quite as polished as it could be, but there's never a dull moment and the energetic dance breaks keep the energy flowing effectively. If the show sounds up your street then it's unlikely to disappoint.
