The Big Burlesque Day Out Event at Bush Hall - London Burlesque Festival - 18th May 2013

The London Burlesque Festival is now, officially, the only worldwide burlesque festival to run a ten day event. The full attendance of the shows is a testimony of a loyal following, as well as attracting a multitude of newcomers.

In their mission to be unique, the LBF introduced a Day Event, opening its doors, free of charge, to an array of burlesque devotees, and novices.

The Day event offered a great opportunity to experience a shopping trip, accompanied by a fashion show, performances, not to forget the dance troupe 'Swing Patrol' who gave a fabulous demonstration of Charleston and Lindy Hop. All in all, a magnificent success with the public, and exhibitors too.

The fashion show, modelled by burlesque performers like Banbury Cross, Eliza Delite and others, received the most ovation of the day. Abounding perfection and glamour, the models injected a touch of sexiness to the 'Bush Hall catwalk'…!

Hosted by the beautiful and talented Betty D'Light, whose debut as a host proved to be a triumph with the public, the shows received a fabulous reaction from all attendees. Many visitors had never been to a burlesque event, making this occasion a special one, and the atmosphere in the hall spoke for itself.
The hundred of visitors who stepped through the doors clearly enjoyed the full experience that this open day presented. From corsets, to costumer designers, fascinators, pasties and tassels, and photographers, the exhibitors seemed to have been chosen for the variety they brought in.

In addition to the already packed day, Jim Rose, the famous American performer and PR, who flew from the USA to host some of the shows during the festival, held a seminar on PR and marketing strategies. It was an incredibly fascinating and informative affair, as he revealed many inside tips and advice.

Burlesque shows appear in every corner of the capital nowadays. You could attend one practically every night if you wished. Whether it is a burlesque show featuring the same performers for a few weeks or months, or a venue showcasing their favourite performers, there is no excuse for not attending a show.

However, a yearly event such as the LBF is a time to gather performers and spectators from all over the world, who come together to share a week of burlesque adventure.
It is clear from the comments, that the public enjoyed the open day too. A refreshing idea meant to introduce newcomers to the world of burlesque without having to worry about the financial impact, and to extend the burlesque venture to the fans.

Watch out the dates for next year, as the positive comments and the impressive attendance are indicators that the organisers will bring this event back next year.

For more information, visit their website: www.londonburlesquefest.com


Eva Lamour



Photos by James Drury

BURLESQUE MAP LONDON

Veronique Divine

The Burlesque Models at Bush Hall

Swing Patrol

Equador Zaha

Betty D'Light

Cirque du Cabaret at The Spiegeltent - 2013

We want to share the following with our readers:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cirque du Cabaret presents

Cirque du Cabaret at The Spiegeltent, Southbank Centre from Friday May 31st 2013
London’s Southbank Jubilee Gardens
off Belvedere Road
London, SE1 8XX

Celebrating comedy, international circus and burlesque acts in the heart of London’s Southbank.

‘Naughty but Nice’ Sunday Independent
‘The Only place to be’ Evening Standard


After a residency in Picadilly’s famous Pigalle Club, a series of sell out shows at the 2012 Southbank Festival and more recently, a sell out show in Leicester Square theatre, Cirque du Cabaret returns for five dates in the stunning vintage tent on the Southbank.

This new show will focus on comedy with performances from comedy veteran David Armand (Secret Policeman’s Ball and La Soiree) and newcomer comedy singer songwriter, Eliot Mason. The show will also include international circus and burlesque from London’s finest performers including Banbury Cross and Sophia St Villier. Guinness world record holder Berlin Sword swallower Jewels Good will also perform.
Cirque du Cabaret’s celebrity audience include Christian Slater, Yasmin Le Bon, Sam Neill and Russell Brand.
‘No two shows are ever the same, so we have audiences who come back time and time again and always see something new. We’ll have circus and burlesque acts from around the world and some surprise comedy guests too’ says producer Sara Coloha.

Please see website for event details and tickets: www.cirqueducabaret.com
Www.londonwonderground.co.ukFor media passes, interview and photo requests, please contact: info@cirqueducabaret.com
or phone Sara 07981909177


LISTING FOR:

31st MAY - 28th JUNE -  19th JULY -  20th SEPTEMBER - 28th SEPTEMBER

Cirque du Cabaret comedy cabaret show in London’s Spiegeltent Southbank

Tickets: £19 and £17.50 - Call 0844 545 8282
, open 9am - 8pm, 7 days a week

Ticket address: www.londonwonderground.co.uk/node/938614

Where: London’s Southbank Jubilee Gardens, off Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX

Show style: International cabaret and circus show with burlesque striptease - OVER 18s


 www.cirqueducabaret.com

BURLESQUE MAP LONDON, Issue 3 - OUT NOW...!

We have the great pleasure to announce the launch of Burlesque Map London, Issue 3.

The pocket-size, easy to use guide to all things burlesque, retro and vintage, is the ultimate accessory to find all you need.

Burlesque Map London is a valued source of essential information. With a Map of London and around 200 listings, it is the most comprehensive guide. Each listing contains the address, opening hours and usually a website.

The invaluable listing categories range from shops, hair and beauty, accessories, lingerie, entertainment, venues, services, tuition and more.
We have also compiled a list of prominent performers in London, for the readers and promoters to use as reference.

For the avid tourist, we offer a list of European burlesque festivals, with dates and websites. Cultural tourism is a marvellous way to explore wonderful, beautiful cities; it allows us to enjoy the deeper sense of identity in many art forms. Why not combine your visit with entertainment in the form of a burlesque show?

We truly hope you enjoy this issue of Burlesque Map London. Explore the new and revel in your favourites.


Eva Lamour

The Burlesque Assassins - Review of the Canadian film by Jonathan Joffe

A film by Canadian director Jonathan Joffe - starring Armitage Shanks, Koko La Douce, Kiki Kaboom and Roxi Dlite


World War II, Johnny Valentine and Katarina Molotov - lovers and partners in the fight against tyranny and fascism - have devised their best secret weapon, the Burlesque Assassins. Beautiful women who entice key officers in the Nazi regime; they seduce with their charm, ready for the kill. But in the midst of the Cold War, the two lovers embark on different journeys, crossing each other's paths at times, rekindling their affair.

Ten years later, 1956, Johnny is still deep into espionage with a special mission: intercept and take possession of a deadly weapon from the enemy. His latest recruit, Bourbon Sue, a wayward rockabilly, joins his team of seductress spies, Koko La Douce and Bombshell Belle. Their assignment: tempt and kill.

Written and directed by Canadian Jonathan Joffe, The Burlesque Assassins is full of humour, wit, and real burlesque. A story of espionage unlike any others, with charismatic characters who will keep you screaming with laughter from beginning to end.

The Burlesque Assassins is a comedy showcasing beautiful burlesque acts performed by real burlesque performers, performers who can laugh at themselves, remaining professional. Such a wonderful treat, and at last demonstrating on the big screen what true burlesque actors truly do; far from your Hollywood made up stories.

The London première of the film took place at the Bethnal Green Working Men's Club, in December. A venue renowned for hosting many burlesque events throughout the year, including the Double R Club, run by Rose Thorne and Benjamin Louche.
The première was organised by the Sean Mooney, creator of the production company, Beyond the Cabaret, specialising in cabaret, vaudeville and burlesque.

The première was attended by a vast audience, many of the spectators being connected to the burlesque scene. The room was buzzing with laughter, cheers and total delight.

Greeted by a fabulous compère Ophelia Bitz, with the reputation of being naughty and saucy, we had the pleasure to her singing followed by a series of short films, all about cabaret and burlesque, before the main feature film.

One of the main protagonists, Kiki Kaboom, made an appearance after the film, to the delight of the whole room. One of our most celebrated burlesque performers, Kiki has wowed the audience at many events, including the London Burlesque Festival.

The Burlesque Assassins is a must see...!
A true success and an absolute gem. All in all, a real winner...!



Eva Lamour


VIEW THE FILM - HERE - http://muvi.es/w4514/162313

Scandalous! Ivy Paige at the Leicester Square Theatre - London West End - Review...

Scandalous! is a musical that captures the world of Ivy, a brothel Madam in the 18th century London, who plots her way out of a financial debt to the Marquis of Gray, her aspiring lover.

Notorious owner of a bordello, Ivy protects the future of her whore house with the help of her courtesans. The arrival of Rose, a virgin whore, provides Ivy with the perfect opportunity to distract the Marquis away from her.

When events turn for the worst, and Ivy is imprisoned, the Marquis seizes the good chance to run the brothel.
Will Ivy return to take back her precious house?

A strong woman, who must be astute to survive, but her loneliness is, at times, a price she pays for settling for money and not love. But what path will she choose, ultimately?

Capturing the harsh world of women in the 18th century London, Scandalous! explores the vulnerability of a woman who is prepared to fight a world where men dominate more than money and politics.

The play is full of comedy, live music and burlesque acts, with a supporting cast including Pete Saunders, talented song writer and singer (formerly of Dexys Midnight Runners) accompanies Ivy at the piano, and delights us with his singing too.
Harper Ray, as the Marquis of Gray, is presently producer/director at the Shakespeare Globe Theatre. His classical acting gives much strength to his role, and great stage presence.

Crinolines, pantaloons and corsets, and the magnificent voice of Ivy Paige, certainly make the show a must-see.

The majestic and gorgeous period dresses worn by Ivy Paige are a vision and plunge you right back in time, as does the colourful array of period costumes that makes this play a visual delight. With the burlesque acts bringing their unique outfits, the wardrobe in general will attract the attention of the audience.

This musical is full of vibrant, professional and confident acting.
Ivy is a natural performer and actress, who has much to offer the West End. I would love to see more of her witty humour in this play, but there is no doubt that her talent is reflected in her powerful stage presence. Ivy Paige is quality in all its splendour, the voice, the acting, the determination, and creativity she offers, show a great future for this play.

The audience is never forgotten, as the courtesans welcome you as clients of Ivy's 'disreputable establishment', handing 'guineas' to spend during the show. The interaction with the audience, throughout the play, reflects the confidence of the actors.

Ivy is here to stay, and with the support of great names like Pete Saunders and Harper Ray, our most illustrious and celebrated London theatre scene, one of the most envied around the world, has found a new talent.


Do not miss the great opportunity to see this fabulous play that, so far, only appears on the 30th December 2012 and the 26th January 2013, with more dates to come.

Check the various dates on: www.ivypaige.co.uk and support one of our most talented performers, in theatre, cabaret, burlesque and more, much more...!





Eva Lamour



Photography by: James Drury

Leicester Square Theatre

Ivy Paige

Pete Saunders

Marquis of Gray and courtesans

Ivy and Marquis of Gray

The Troupe

Ivy Paige and her courtesans

Chaz Royal: Celebrating his 10 Year Anniversary in Burlesque - Friday 23rd November 2012 at Bush Hall, London

What do Chaz Royal's burlesque shows, all have in common? A majestic wide variety of bawdy humour, elegance, glamour, seduction and eccentricity, in all shapes, sizes and styles.
A pleasure for all to enjoy, and tonight was no exception. From glamour to bizarre, and purely entertaining, all acts were a delight of the highest standard. And this is why we love burlesque, the Chaz way...!

Celebrating 10 years in burlesque, Chaz chose 'Bush Hall' for this memorable anniversary. A favourite venue, with a music hall feel, grand architecture, but friendly, and not one ounce of pompousness. While some venues have a greater feel of prestige, Bush Hall has been a much sought-after venue, as it marries glamour and popularity, perfectly.

The hosts, Chaz Royal and Betty D'Light, welcomed the guests personally, at the door, adding a touch of specialness by keeping close to the audience. When shows become a national success, it is easy to detach oneself from the public, and lose track of the important factor: the spectacle goes on stage for the pleasure of the spectators...! So, it's fantastic to see the organisers, promoters be part of us.

Chaz and Betty


Buzzing with excitement, the room was full; a sign of how notorious and popular Chaz's events have become.

Eccentric, talented entertainer, Benjamin Louche, was the compère for the night, bringing his unique sense of humour, dark, satiric and extremely witty. His distinctive stage presence, a performance in itself, sent the audience into frenzy with laughter, cheer and applause throughout the night. A compère unlike the rest...!

Benjamin Louche


This grand evening opened with the winner of the London Burlesque Festival 2012, Anna the Hulagan. Even more glamourous than during her performance in May, Anna brought to the stage a mixture of skill, seduction, and magnificent eye catching hula hoop fire act, full of energy. Increasing the pace, as the rhythm grew faster and faster, Anna the Hulagan performed a beautiful striptease, receiving much acclamation from the spectators.
A brilliant act not to miss...!

Anna the Hulagan


But Chaz's events would not be complete without a touch of boylesque, and tonight he delighted us with four male performers.

The first this evening, Kiki Lovechild, entered the stage with an amazing hand shadow performance, leading to his double act with his furry ostrich. With the wonderful 'Close to you' by The Carpenters playing, Kiki and his ostrich had successive routines culminating to his strip, revealing his whizzing pasties - a great act and one that provoked great enthusiastic applause.

Kiki Lovechild


Laughter followed by glamour with a capital G, Banbury Cross, in her Marilyn Monroe style, brought the Golden Age of Hollywood to this event. Owning the stage with confidence, class and a beautiful sensual choreography, Banbury sent hearts thumping. She wowed the room with her classical burlesque tease, full of charisma, sensuality and the skills of true professional performer. A very rowdy audience gave a majestic ovation when she showered herself with champagne wearing nothing by pasties and a thong... A very erotic tableau...!

Banbury Cross



The unexpected always arrives like a big wave or with a big 'bang' and Dare's arrival on stage certainly got the attention of the whole room. A fantastic boost of originality and great entertainment, Dare's aerobics number had all of us clapping and waving. With all eyes on him, he performed a parody of an aerobic instructor, doing the splits, the wheel and dancing with such energy! His routine and choreography showed much agility, individuality and fun. Finishing with his glittery body naked, except for some luminous green trunks, Dare got us all fully energised, ready for more... But we had an interval instead...!

Dare


We all welcomed the two intervals Chaz included tonight, allowing the audience to savour the show by extending the pleasure, taking time to wander around, talking to other spectators, and sharing the delight of the night.

Back in front of the stage, we welcomed the magnificent Lada Redstar in all her splendour, wearing a sparkling black and white dress. She took to the stage with confidence, in a truly theatrical manner, a delectation for the eyes...! Her acts took us from Jessica Rabbit's seductive look, to Bettie Page's erotic moves. Lada Redstar, is an artiste and star in every way.

Lada Redstar


Uniqueness is not for the weak ones. It takes someone very special to carry out an act with so much singularity, and Mr Pustra has the charisma, the personality and the look for this special act. In his Pierrot outfit, Mr Pustra reminds me of the eccentric Serge Gainsbourg, smoking while singing, poetic yet a rebel. Mr Pustra is the Pierrot of the Commedia dell'Arte, full of visual art, and poesy with his personal touch of eccentricity, rebellion and posture. He kept the full attention of the crowd, taken by his singing, right to the finale's accolade...! Wow...!

Mr Pustra


From one iconic figure to another, Eliza Delite is a Virgin wearing the traditional blue robe; a beautiful outfit that comes off to reveal a fiery golden and red corset. In her crown and 'Heart of Jesus' effigy on her chest, Eliza Delite's dance in her golden wings mesmerises the audience. A magnificent tableau rich in colours, movement and sensuality; a Saint who strips down to show the erotic side of purity...! A marvelous performance...!

Eliza Delite


Keeping with the biblical theme of women, Veronique Divine is the embodiment of the Jezebel or the temptress dancer Salome, whose dance captivated Herod. In her red outfit, flying us to Arabian nights, Veronique Divine raises the heat in the room, seducing the audience with her dance, her tease and finally a most erotic strip...! Hot, hot, hot...!

Veronique Divine


Just as we thought the stage couldn't get any hotter, in comes Big Chief Random Chaos...! His signature act, the one that won him first place at the Burlesque Games in May at Madame Jojo's, was still a great piece of entertainment. One that filled the room with laughter, screams, disbelief and a crowd clapping hilariously...! If anyone wants to see a burlesque variety act with much ingenuity, this is one! His bottom spanked, on fire, and sado masochism thrown into the act, he set his mohican on fire; nobody expected such madness... Big Chief delivered, once again, an entertaining act with brilliance... Chaos by name, great entertainer by nature...!

BigChief Random Chaos


Closing the first evening of this celebratory weekend, Lada Redstar returned on stage with another fabulous costume; colourful, utterly prestigious green costume, her bug act won another praise from tonight's crowd.

Lada Redstar

All in all, a success for everyone. An elated and happy audience, welcomed back the magnificent acts that performed brilliantly tonight. With so many shows to his name, Chaz delivers burlesque entertainment in all its grandeur. Bravo!

Hurrah to another 10 years of Chaz Royal's burlesque shows...!




Eva Lamour

Photographer: James Drury