Manumission, Privilege, Ibiza

08.09.03

There has been a lot of controversy over the years surrounding Manumission. Made legendary for its live sex shows and risqué performers, few nights, if any, can boast such lavish decoration or quality presentation. With a production crew that runs into the hundreds and costs of around £250k per night, the quality and number of attractions on offer consistently manage to draw in people from across the globe. In a venue that can hold an unparalleled (Guiness Book of Records confirmed) 10,000 people, few promoters can attract an audience big enough to fill it.

The live sex shows have long since become a thing of the past but they have still kept the raunchy theme. Stockings and suspenders aplenty, the Manumission girls perform in various roles throughout the night. The girls are everywhere, from the stunningly sexy dominatrix in the music box, to the flamboyant (and often naked!) dancers on the stage. Guests are encouraged to dress up and there is a huge following among fetishists so expect to see as much going on in the 10,000 strong crowd as on the stage. Needless to say it helps to be open-minded!

For Summer 2003, Manumission has taken the unique step of incorporating a murder mystery theme into their evening. The story-line - The Phantasmagorical Manumission Mystery - unfolds throughout each of their weekly shows, with acrobats, dancers and clowns performing the varying parts in the portrayed events. Huge screens show pre-recorded footage of the drama, with the characters acting their parts as in a silent movie.

Also appearing throughout the season was the (to some) legendary Har-Mar Superstar, aka Harold Martin. Har-Mar Superstar is more widely know in America where he previously starred in porn movies before branching out into the world of hip-hop. His recent work features collaborations with some of America’s hottest producers and combined with his flamboyant performances and sexy (!) lyrics the result is - depending on how seriously you take your hip-hop - fantastic! Since his recent appointment as Vladivar Vodka’s front man, we can expect to see more of the unique stylings of Har-Mar being brought to us Brits!

Gary Teasdale