Review, as promised:
Firstly, let me congratulate Burlesque Blue for being a kick-ass new event on the scene! There's a real saturation of burlesque nights in the UK and many of them are entirely unnecessary but not Burlesque Blue; a well-managed, varied line-up and some great tunes for the after-show dancing.
I wasn't sure if I was going to go down for the event (as designated driver for Lucille and Daiquiri on the way down and adding Beatrix to the mix on the way back up!) but I'm really glad I did. Now, as you can imagine, I see a lot of burlesque and have had to sit through some pretty dire shows so I'm always a wee bit apprehensive when I visit a new night that has no track record. No need to worry with Burlesque Blue! The venue (Rudi's Blues Cafe) is a dedicated music venue with a sizeable stage and great (if very loud) sound system and a fantastic lighting rig so the tech side of the show was faultless. They even had a follow-spot!
The show was a complete sell-out with a great two-tier ticketing system which allowed those who wanted to pay a little more to guarantee a seat at a table near the stage with the added bonus of goodie bags and being able to have your photo taken with the performers. I think there was also table service!
There was a real party feel before the show and the audience whooped, cheered and squealed at all the right moments and all the acts received a great response.
A newcomer to the burlesque stage, Olympia Rose opened the show with a song; the fantastic showstopper from Gypsy, "You Gotta Get a Gimmick" - what a set of pipes on that girl! Currently studying musical theatre, Lucille and I anticipate this girl has a great career on the stage. Olympia returned later in the evening to sing "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend".
I was delighted to have the opportunity to meet the very lovely Golden Delicious. Not only is she as sweet as the apple from the tree of knowledge; she's just about as naughty! Her acts included fantastic costumes and a real cheeky sense of humour that screams true burlesque. This lady could be dropped in 1920's New York and have no trouble becoming a star on the Vaudeville stage. A new favourite.
The ever-wonderful (and good friend of RwP) Beatrix Von Bourbon dazzled with a breathtaking fan-dance. There’s no question that Beatrix is one of the top performers in the UK with her unique look and tightly choreographed acts.
Red-headed songstress Lucille Burn brought some real cabaret stardom with her numbers. Singing old classics in her sultry style; Lucille brought the house down with her renditions of "Mein Herr" from Cabaret, "I Wanna Be Loved By You", "Why Don't You Do Right?" and "Get Happy". I know I'm biased but I really do feel that a quality burlesque night needs a singer and Lucille Burn is one of the best.
The final name on the bill was reigning Bizarre Queen of Burlesque, Daiquiri Dusk! A fabulous "Feeling Good" fandance and an adorable strip to "Oh So Quiet" sung by Olympia (I was jealous - I sing that song!) showed the audience why Bizarre Magazine and the MoB chose her as the winner of the UK-wide Battle of Burlesque!
Big congrats to Lady L for pulling it all together and I look forward to the next time burlesque glamour comes to Rotherham!
*cough* Rufus sings too! *Cough*
Burlesque Blue -glamour comes to Rotherham!
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