Tag Archives: Burlesque

Proud to be a Woman

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Burlexe, Wednesday 22 February 2012

I didn’t really know much about the format of this show before I went. I had the idea that it would tell the story of Burlesque, combined with actual performances of the art. As to what that art actually is, I wasn’t too sure. So, prepared to be enlightened, I made my way to Soho. I wasn’t disappointed – by the show that it is. The venue left a lot to be desired, particularly in the way that the clientele were treated. I could elaborate on that, but I have decided to concentrate on the positive in this review, and there is certainly a lot to be positive about.

Burlexe was hosted by Kelly Le Roc, whose powerful upbeat vocals meant the audience were soon in the palm of her hand and receptive for what was to come. Apart from her songs, the show was a combination of Burlesque performances and monologues based on the stories of real-life Burlesquers. Each act flowed seamlessly into the next, and the atmosphere got better and better, and the audience more appreciative, as the night went on. This was a true variety show, with far too much content for me to detail it all, but what follows should give a flavour of it, and point out some of the highlights.

All of the physical performances in Burlexe were of a very high standard. Luna Rosa moved beautifully, her arms sinuous and sensual and her dances were polished and professional. Fancy Chance’s “Alice” was a treat, both in terms of movement and comedy. Aurora Galore did a wonderful routine with fans and black feathers. But the best Burlesque performance of the evening for me was by Bettsie Bon Bon, whose sheer exuberance and pink and white flounces brought a smile to everyone’s face.

As mentioned, the dancing and singing was interspersed with monologues. These were all heartfelt: some tragic, some comic, some both; but all delivered with sincerity and believability. Each of the actors played several disparate characters, demonstrating their versatility and range. Chloe Ewart played a number of vibrant roles, the most memorable being a young Mexican girl who lost her inhibitions to Richie Valens’ “La Bamba.” Kiki Kaboom’s delivery was sensitive and natural, particularly as the “two Cheris” – a representation of the conflict her character felt about Burlesque. Gillian MacGregor is obviously a strong actor, and I loved her “banker by day, burlesquer by night.” Burlesque icon Jo King made a guest appearance and treated us to a friendly, genuine tale of an American girl called Angel with some very famous friends. The final piece, and the highlight of the night was delivered by the talented and accomplished Dympna Messenger. Slightly confusingly, Dympna was telling Jo’s story of what Burlesque means to her. Her delivery was both uplifting and powerful. She told us: “I’m 52, I have broken veins and cellulite, my tits are on that long journey south. I have lumps and bumps in some good places, and some in places I’m not supposed to have them, and I am still to this day the sexiest woman I know!” It made me feel proud to be a woman.

As well as to the cast, much credit is due to director Jayne Hardy and the rest of the creative and production team. I found this show to be enlightening, life-affirming and exhilarating. If I didn’t have such a bad feather allergy, I would be enrolling myself in Burlesque school!

The next performance of Burlexe is on 21 March 2012.  Frost readers are entitled to a £4 discount when they use the code burlx4ma.  For more information visit www.burlexe.com or read our interview with Dympna Messenger.

Burlexe – Interview with Cast Member Dympna Messenger

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Tell us a little bit about yourself as a performer.

I was a “late starter” and came into the business after bringing up my 3 children and a stint of teaching drama in a Dagenham comprehensive. Because I hadn’t waited this long and trained this hard in order to be unemployed, on graduating I formed my own company “Time of Our Lives Music Theatre” with Keith Myers who had directed me at Drama School, sadly we lost our funding in 2008 so I am now relying on other producers to employ me and have the headaches.

How did you get involved with Burlexe?

I got involved with Burlexe by responding to an ad in Casting Call Pro, I never dreamed I get the job but so glad I did, it is so totally different to anything else I’ve ever done.

What was your impression of Burlesque prior to this?

Before this job I had no idea the Burlesque world existed! I was vaguely aware of things like Gypsy Rose Lee and Strip Tease.

What is it now?

Working with the Burlesque ladies has totally opened up my eyes to a whole style of entertainment that is the descendant of old fashioned Variety and Music Hall of which I am a big fan.

Has doing Burlexe changed you in any way?

Doing this job has been a revelation. I would love to have a discussion/debate with “women’s libbers” who disapprove of this type of thing, but my Burlesque friends tell me that they find what they do to be liberating and who am I to argue with them!

When and where is the next show?

The next show is in The Shadow Lounge, Brewer St, Soho on Wednesday 21st March at 8pm.  Frost readers are entitled to a £4 discount when they use the code burlx4ma.

Read our review of Burlexe here.

A Laboratory of Theatre; There's a New Venue in Town.

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It doesn’t look like much from the outside but Manchester’s newest theatre space, the 3MT Venue, might just be one of the most important small venues in the country, writes Tim Austin.

Built in the gutted remnants of an abandoned shop, the 3MT is a self-styled laboratory of theatre. It’s a melting pot of new talent where musicians share the same stage as burlesque dancers; a place where first-time writers can test their material and aspiring actors can cut their teeth.

But it didn’t start out life this way. In fact, it didn’t start out life as a theatre project at all.

The two people behind the project are long-time theatre practitioners and teachers Gina Topliff-Frost and her husband John. Earlier in the year they opened a costume shop on the third floor of the city’s famous Afflecks, intending to sell off some of their old wardrobe stock.

In an attempt to attract and entertain new customers, they began inviting local actors and writers to produce Three minute long sketches within the shop. Afflecks liked the idea and soon offered them the opportunity to rent a larger shop on the ground floor and the Three Minute Theatre was born.

Now re-named the 3MT Venue, the theatre space is probably one of the most striking and unique venues I’ve ever visited. The auditorium is made up of 70 re-claimed and re-covered chairs, mainly from a Baptist church in Huddersfield. The walls are covered in an eclectic collection of artwork, photographs, theatre programmes and even, I noticed with keen interest, a unicycle. In many ways it bore a closer resemblance to a student flat-share than a theatre venue – but a theatre venue it is; and very a serious one at that.

“This is bums on seats theatre, not box ticking theatre” John tells me as he gives me a tour backstage. Everything you would find in a large theatre space, you’ll find backstage at the 3MT, however the venue currently receives no external grant funding and works on a profit-share basis; if no-one comes to see their shows, they make no money.

But far from being a hindrance, their business model has encouraged the team at the 3MT to be creative in their programming. It has also seen a focus on developing new talent.

“We are a cooperative in mind because we know that, in the long run, the business will benefit from the people we’ve been supporting” explains Gina.

They now have a core team of four in-house actors who produce a regular show based on the Three minute format. They actively encourage new and developing artists to rehearse and perform in the space, balancing a mix of straight theatre, music and variety acts.

Their creative policy encourages emerging performers to try out new work before taking it to the mainstream. Not only does this make it an exciting and refreshing venue to visit but, with funding fears leading to mainstream houses relying more and more on “name” faces to attract audiences, spaces like this are essential for the future of the industry.

Will it make John and Gina rich? Probably not but, then again, I doubt they care; this is a labour of love and their passion and dedication are infectious. And their love for the space is beginning to pay off, with audience numbers rising and more companies taking an interest in the space.

3MT is one to watch.

You can find out more about 3MT by visiting their website at http://www.threeminutetheatre.co.uk

Tim Austin is an Actor and Writer based in the UK. You can find out more about his work by visiting http://www.tim-austin.co.uk

Styled & Frocked on the King's Road

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BBC children’s television presenter Cerrie Burnell will be appearing at the Styled and Frocked fashion event at JuJu Nightclub, Kings Road on Thursday 28th April.

The Tree of Hope Children’s Charity has joined forces with the campaigning Models of Diversity for a unique Fashion Event to help raise funds for children’s specialist medical treatment and therapy in the UK.

One of the few visibly disabled people working on television, Cerrie’s appointment as presenter on BBC’s children’s channel CBeebies sparked complaints from a minority of parents. Subsequently Cerrie has spent much time campaigning to raise awareness on disability and the prejudice that surrounds it.

Cerrie has said ”I am delighted to have the opportunity to lend my support to a fashion event which will be celebrating models of all different ages, colours, sizes and abilities.” Adding ”It will be great evening and I am so pleased to be helping rasie raise support and awareness for the Tree of Hope Children’s Charity and the brilliant work they so.”

Guest List also includes:

Catherine Balavage

Chelsey Baker

Liz Brewer

Ben Duncan

Ian Carmichael and Tony Pappas

Leee John

Cindy Jackson

The event will be hosted by Sally Farmiloe-Neville

With the guidance and approval of medical practitioners in our health care services, The Tree of Hope Children’s Charity will fund grants for medical treatment and therapy within the private sector of medicine in the UK. We will also fund surgery and treatment by medical specialists abroad, where the specific knowledge and facilities are available, in order to treat UK children as quickly as possible. Please visit http://www.treeofhope.org.uk/ for more information (Reg. No:1043092).

Models of Diversity is a London-based non-profit organization, whose mission is to change the face of fashion and modelling. They have had great visibility in the press with their impressive campaigning, celebrity endorsements and most recently, their models have been used in popular television programmes on Channel 4 in 2011.

Lee Chapman and Leslie Ash, are hoping to attend the Fashion Show, stating: “We are both delighted that we are able to help the Tree of Hope Children’s Charity by hosting this Fashion Show at JuJu.”

Special guest entertainment including the Teakshow comedy duo. the crooning of Don Wilson and Lipstick Bandits Burlesque and a catwalk show featuring the clothes of up and coming Bo Carter, Hoss Intropia and Toni Pickles of Get Waisted.

Multi Award Winning Bar, JuJu is the hottest addition to the nightlife scene on World Famous King’s Road in Chelsea. Located in the heart of Chelsea, JuJu has won multiple awards since opening. In 2009, it was awarded Best New Bar and in 2010 it was awarded Outstanding Mixology by the London Club and Bar Awards. Not surprising, given that JuJu serves the finest cocktails mixed by some of London’s best bartenders including their in-house mixologist. JuJu also offers an eclectic combination of Pan Asian tapas food from all over the world.

28th April
6pm – Late
JuJu
316 – 318 King’s Road, Chelsea, SW3 5UH, London
Tickets £20 (including a fabulous goody bag)

You can buy them here:

http://styledandfrockedjuju.eventbrite.com

http://www.treeofhope.org.uk

Make a Donation here: http://www.justgiving.com/treeofhope/Donate