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Saturday 19 October 2013

Cabaret Roulette's Ghost Stories at Madame Jojo's - Soho, London - October 2013


www.burlesquemap.co.uk

Created and produced by Vivacity Bliss, Cabaret Roulette is a burlesque show where all is a gamble. A new concept from the imagination of Vivacity, and born to bring you a flavour of the unexpected.

How does it work?

The public suggests various themes for future shows, on Cabaret Roulette's Facebook page. Then, on the night of a show, the audience chooses one theme among the most popular suggestions. The performers, who accept the challenge, have only a few weeks after the vote, to create their act.

If you remember some of the 1990s shows, where stand up comedians had to come up with witty lines from ideas thrown by the public, then you will appreciate how fast-working and imaginative these performers must be, in order to bring the audience a magnificent show.

Tonight's theme was Ghost Stories, maybe anticipating Halloween.

At the door, the Bloody Irish Catholic nun was ready to welcome you with her ghostly complexion. Putting the public in the mood for tonight's show, crazy Sister Euphemia (aka Ruth Young) was spookily friendly.

Lady Boudoir, the compère for the night, transpired to be quite a rebel in her own way. Whether she was in character, or just improvising, her language was more than ghostly…!

However, the performances made up for any small mishap. First on stage, Stage Door Johnny, a musical comedian, reminded me of Peter Kay's humour. The Northern wit and warmth took the whole room into a frenzy of laughter, again and again. Portraying a psychic medium, possessed by a spirit, he lost himself into a dancing act. Absolutely brilliant and hilarious…!

Ghost stories was the theme, and every performer had committed to it, so when magicians and comedians, Griffin & Jones, came on stage, curiosity struck as to how they would portray a ghost story. After choosing a woman from the audience, and asking her to pick a story from a book, Jones had to guess which one she had chosen.  After enduring sticky tape over his mouth, and being possessed by a spirit, Jones finally produced out of his mouth, the page the spectator had chosen at the beginning. A wonderful magic trick that brought the whole room in unison when exclaiming a loud "Wow…!".

When Anna Lou appeared with her accordion, nobody expected such a grand act with dry humour. Parisian chanteuse performing her ghost story comedy song 'Sleeping time sex-ghost' was a true jewel…! Anna Lou oozes talent, confidence incorporating banter, and perfectly done saucy bawdy humour…! Hip hip hooray for Anna Lou who received a standing ovation, as the whole crowd cheered frantically.

For a dancing troupe, maybe the challenge was a bit trickier, but Figs in Wigs astonished us when they choreographed 'Ghostbusters'. A bit cliché, you might think, but they were visually greatly entertaining, and judging by the ongoing applause, the audience enjoyed their performance considerably.

But nothing topped the Shirley Windmill act 'Funny bones', which, for me, was just fantastic! Shirley, in her skeleton onesie, rapped a ghost story that took the whole audience into a frenzy of delight, with laughter, hysteria and cheers. Her face expression and body language made the whole act the most original of the night! With her: 'Dark, dark cellar, in a dark, dark house, in a dark, dark street" she charmed and wowed the whole audience. Magical, Miss Shirley Windmill…!!

Tonight's show was filled with creative talent and was a massive success. It brought a variety of acts together under one theme, under the watchful critical eye of an audience, who seemed in awe of all the performers. Considering that many come back frequently, the gamble has paid off, Miss Vivacity Bliss…!!

If you want burlesque cabaret with a twist and tales of the unexpected, then Cabaret Roulette is the one…!
November 13th is their 1st Birthday party, a perfect reason to attend. After a two months' break, Cabaret Roulette will return in February with a 'Science' theme, then March will be 'Celebrities'. Choose one or all of them. Gamble your night away! You won't regret it…!!

Eva Lamour


Photography by: James Drury



Constance Peach and Lady Boudoir

Stage Door Johnny

Griffin and Jones

Griffin and Jones - with spectator

Chilli Blush

Anna Lou

Figs in Wigs

Shirley Windmill

Johnny Macaulay



Tuesday 6 August 2013

Review of the Pretty Things Peepshow - at Bethnal Green, London - July 2013


www.burlesquemap.co.uk

Do you wish to experience 'The bizarre, The sexy and The beautiful' in the same place? Then the Pretty Things Peepshow is the event for you.


Performing for the first time in London, this amazingly talented troupe has been touring the UK since July, all the way from New York. They chose the Bethnal Green Working Men's Club, renowned to host many burlesque and cabaret events, to present their eccentric production to our capital city.

Hosted by Don Vomit, a spectacular entertainer and showman, the Pretty Things Peepshow is filled with jaw dropping acts that will keep you screaming, cheering and wowing, throughout the evening. It is certainly not for the faint-hearted, as many of their acts belong to the bizarre, ghastly and eccentric.

You are taken from sword swallowing acts, to escapology, walking on glass and an array of truly outrageous performances. The Pretty Things Peepshow is a variety cabaret with dashes of burlesque. Created and founded by Go-Go Amy, a burlesque and cabaret performer, this production is truly entertaining, and for those who like a touch of burlesque with plenty of vaudeville variety, you will be delighted.

Don Vomit, the only male artist in the troupe, delivered grand performances that belonged in the realm of the world's wildest and weirdest. The audience shrieked through his acts, as he hammered a nail to his nose, shoved a sword down his throat and placed a mouse trap on his tongue…! The perfect sadist…!

Rachel Renegade, a blond, exotic siren, delighted us with beautiful burlesque, wowing the audience who cheered and raved at her tassel twirling number…! Demonstrating a panoply of some of her own freaky acts: sword ladder climbing experience, razor blades swallowing, Rachel Renegade showcased great talent in every way…! But why spoil it here, when you could experience it for yourself?

Go-Go Amy performs various burlesque acts, together with fire breathing numbers and other freaky acts of her own. The creator of this production, Go-Go Amy is a very talented show woman who looks great on stage and performs brilliantly. An act not to miss…!

The guest star of the night, Millie Dollar, performed her signature burlesque numbers. Glamour and retro elegance swayed onto the stage with her salacious acts and saucy striptease. A magnificent performance that attracted much ovation from the room.

But personally, the star of the show was Lil Miss Firefly, 'The Midget of Mischief'. Small by stature but a big star at work, Miss Firefly has a je ne sais quoi that enthrals the audience with her various breathtaking numbers…! She confessed to have taken herself to other limits, in order to leave behind some of the acts done by so many already, which gives the spectators original acts like walking and doing the splits on a bed of broken glass, swallowing a long balloon that is at least twice her size, and even a spectacular burlesque tassel twirling performance.

The audience, who was small in number, made more noise and participated with more fervour than we have witnessed at some London based shows.

The Pretty Things Peepshow is still touring the UK, so make sure you get a glimpse of this entertaining variety show.
However, if you don't catch them here, they will be touring Australia in September… Worth a visit to Aussie land…!

Their tour dates can be found on their website: http://www.prettythingsproductions.com/TourDates.html

Creative and grandly performed, the Pretty Things Peepshow has our British vote…!!



Eva Lamour


Photography by James Drury





Don Vomit






Rachel Renegade




Go-Go Amy








Lil Miss Firefly 'The Midget of Mischief'







Millie Dollar


Pretty Things Peepshow troupe


Pretty Things Peepshow with James Drury




Friday 19 July 2013

THE BURLESQUE ASSASSINS FILM - WATCH IT NOW... HERE!


www.burlesquemap.co.uk


Following the London première, in December 2012, a review of this film was published in a previous article. Please read the full article on this blog, if you wish.

We are delighted to inform you that we are able to offer our readers the opportunity to watch the film by following this link:


http://muvi.es/w4514/162313


To know more about this film, I have copied part of my previous review here:


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

We hope you enjoy the film...

Happy viewing...!!


Eva Lamour


Wednesday 17 July 2013

Miss Nightingale - The Burlesque Musical - Review - Leicester Square Theatre - July 2013


www.burlesquemap.co.uk

1942, London is at war with Germany.
George, a Polish, Jew songwriter has fled Berlin for a land that promises to protect him from the Nazi persecution, where his origins, homosexuality and desire for artistic freedom have put him in peril. In London, he unites with Maggie Brown, a nurse from northern England, with a passion for singing and performing, and a craving for fame.

Noticed by Sir Frank Worthington-Blythe, an upper class showbiz promoter, George and Maggie, 'Miss Nightingale', begin their escalade to stardom.

But life is not so simple for them. George is perpetually nostalgic about the city he left behind, and struggles to conceal his homosexuality. Maggie's love life resembles more a casualty of war than a fairy tale, as the man she loves,Tom, is married. And Frank, with a few secrets of his own, is soon faced with a dilemma that has repercussions for all of them.

Miss Nightingale is a love story, in the midst of World World II, that approaches meaningful topics with humour, sexiness and sensibility. Enigmatic until the finale, the play kept me hooked until the end.

The writing is spot on. Using regional idioms and lexicon from the time, Matthew Bugg manages to portray the true likeness of England in the 1940s. His script is filled with humour, sexual innuendos, and the tongue-in-cheek audacity that makes this play so attractive.

'Miss Nightingale' shows off the British spirit, positive in the face of adversity, the 'stiff upper lip', with heart and humour. In the 1940s, a real patriotic spirit embraced a nation faced with a terrifying assailant.
But behind the front line, a different enemy is fought within the social scene of the time.

Matthew Bugg has encapsulated the social aspect of persecution and repression in 1940s London with great skill. But the play couldn't have come together without the accomplished cast of actors, singers and talented musicians, who gave a compelling performance.

Amber Topaz is fabulous. Her spectacular and powerful voice lends itself perfectly to the 1940s tone. Whether interpreting Marlene Dietrich, 'Biggles', or others from her varied repertoire, Amber's omnipotent voice fills every corner of the room.

Actor, singer and dancer, Amber performs a sexy, sassy and perfectly teasing burlesque act. 
But do not expect the burlesque of meaningless and boring feather fans dance and striptease. Amber Topaz, a renowned name in the world of burlesque, provides the audience with quality acts. This is what we call Burlesque…!
She captures the tease and sassiness of the genre together with the parodic humour and wit that true burlesque is.

A most dynamic, talented, charismatic troupe that will enthral you till the end of the play…!

Miss Nightingale is not to be missed…!

To find out more about the tour, which ends at the end of July, visit the website: www.missnightingale.co.uk





Eva Lamour




Cast:

Amber Topaz
Ilan Goodman
Tomm Coles
Alex Tomkins
Adam Langstaff
Tobias Oliver
Matthew Bugg
Henry Goodman




Photography by Simon Annand












Tuesday 16 July 2013

Pretty Things Peepshow UK Tour (read the Review now - published 6/8/13)

Pretty Things Peepshow, a burlesque show from New York, USA, is touring the UK from 19th June. Following a massive success, they are presenting these extraordinary acts all around England, Scotland and Ireland.

A show not to be missed...!

Read what has already been written about them. Visit their websites for details and show dates.
                      
                                        ==========================

'The Pretty Things Peepshow, the premier touring vaudeville show in the US,  is coming to the UK to perform at the Hotrod Hayride and for a limited engagement of shows around England, Scotland and Ireland. 


This vintage variety show is filled with acts of the beautiful and bizarre. Their show boasts 22 thrilling acts, including sword swallowing, juggling, glass walking, bed of nails, whip cracking, comedy, magic, classic burlesque and more, make up an unforgettable night of heart-pounding glitz and glamour. 

The current cast includes the Impresario of Undress: Go-Go Amy, The Midget of Mischief: Lil Miss Firefly, The Pain Proof Princes: Rachel Renegade and The Dapper Dan of Danger: Mr. Donny V. They have done over 700 shows in 9 different countries . You’ve seen them on Oddities, NY Ink, Celebrity Apprentice and in the pages of Rebel Ink Magazine and now’s your chance to see them live!

In addition to producing the shows and being the burlesque dancer and fire eater on stage go-go Amy will also be teaching pin up hair and makeup workshops in select cities. For more information and to find class dates and location go to the Pretty Things Academy website  

Tour Dates:

July 19  Edinburgh: Voodoo Rooms (Speakeasy)


July 25 London: Bethnal Green Working Mens Club

July 26-July 28 Hotrod Haryride

August 4 Glasgow: Stereo

                                             =======================

Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity this summer and be the first ones to experience the beautiful and bizarre of 'Pretty Things Peepshow'.



Eva Lamour




Sunday 14 July 2013

The Domestic Burlesque by Elsa Quarsell


www.burlesquemap.co.uk

Have you ever wondered about burlesque performers away from the stage, and behind closed doors?

In her book, 'The Domestic Burlesque', Swedish photographer, Elsa Quarsell, has captured over 100 burlesque performers in the privacy of their own homes.  Artistes pose in one of their special outfits, sharing personal time, and stories. Each photograph is accompanied by a short biography, or a favoured quote.

Elsa is best known for her portrait work and has spent many years exploring various 'groups' of people.

She has travelled the world to meet performers from Australia, USA, England and beyond. The reader is able to glance inside their homes, which exhibit a panoply of retro and vintage ornaments and interesting furniture.

'The Domestic Burlesque' is a book filled with bold colours, nostalgia, curious and enchanting memorabilia and artefacts, and gorgeous burlesque performers.

Elsa has captured the essence of each artiste to produce this beautiful hardback edition. This is a must-have for all lovers of burlesque and those nostalgic about all things retro and vintage.

To buy a copy, visit our website: http://www.burlesquemap.co.uk/buy_burlesque_map.asp, where you will find the link to Elsa's page.


Eva Lamour








Saturday 1 June 2013

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




Wednesday 22 May 2013

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


Thursday 4 April 2013

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