has previously described Martinez as a performer who uses her body as a "subversive tool," noting that the act is more about "revelation than titillation."
“By reading works... I examine how [this type of] practice offers commentary on the female body as a particular kind of cultural object.” manchesterhive
reviewers frequently cite it as one of the most iconic cabaret acts of the 21st century, praising its "brazen, deadpan delivery." Community Perspectives Ursula Martinez, Hanky Panky, Magic Striptease ...
: Originally created for the variety circuit, it became a viral sensation and a signature piece in the La Clique and La Soirée cabaret shows. Critical Reception
: Martinez begins with a simple magic trick involving a red handkerchief that she makes "disappear" and "reappear." As the act progresses, she removes layers of clothing, ostensibly to prove she isn't hiding the hanky anywhere, until she is completely nude. has previously described Martinez as a performer who
: The performance is widely praised by critics for its clever play on the "male gaze." While it follows the structure of a striptease, the focus remains on the comedy and the technical skill of the magic, turning the audience's expectation of a "reveal" into a witty commentary on vulnerability and showmanship.
The performance is often discussed in the context of queer and feminist solo performance, as explored in academic texts like Queer Exceptions . : The performance is widely praised by critics
Reviewers often highlight the act as a "masterclass in comic timing."