Interview with Betty D'Light at Bush Hall - London - on You Tube

As the cover girl of Burlesque Map London 3, Betty D'Light shares some thoughts about the movement, gives some insight about what goes on behind the scene, and generally talks to us about Burlesque.

You can find all the videos on You Tube, but here is a preview:

Leave your comments, and subscribe for more videos.

For more profiles of performers, and many more shows and events, order copies of Burlesque Map London at: http://www.burlesquemap.co.uk/buy_burlesque_map.asp

Eva Lamour

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

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

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

Triple Crown at the London World Burlesque Games 2012 - The Floridita

The much anticipated World Burlesque Games 2012 finally opened its doors at the Floridita, in the heart of Soho, on the 8th May, with the Triple Crown show.

Chaz Royal chose a fantastic venue for this show, ensuring all odds were on his side. The Floridita oozes glamour, with a grandiose decor, perfect for a burlesque cabaret.

Celebrating its 6th birthday, the London Burlesque Festival still tops the A-list of burlesque cabarets in London, judging by the crowd present. Personally, I was awaiting these acts with great expectations.

Chaz Royal and 'Secret In Lace'

Chaz and Betty D'Light


Greeted by some gorgeous performers modelling the Secret In Lace lingerie line, we all took time to enjoy the prelude. Chatting, drinking, posing for the amalgam of cameras present, it was a pleasure for all. My time to ask questions and find out about various acts and future development in the burlesque milieu; all important information for the Burlesque Map London.

Betty D'Light

This year, Chaz organised the festival with the help of Betty D' Light, a talented performer with a smile that would refresh and vivify the most miserable soul...! A perfect ambassador for the Burlesque Games...!

After much precious time dining and socialising, the audience was still buzzing, anticipating and expecting the best of burlesque tonight. The judging panel ready now to enjoy and observe, and the papparazi out in force, all eyes on the stage.

Miss Behave, compère extraordinaire, witty, saucy and theatrical, she is a natural at engaging the crowd. Confident and vibrant in her demeanor, she owns the stage with brilliance. An accomplished performer, Miss Behave never tires to impress us. A good compère makes all the difference; we can enjoy the journey to each act as a full part of the show.

Miss Behave


The Games opened with a most impressive Anna the Hulagan. Her hula hoop act, her agility and her originality wowed the crowd who couldn't stop cheering and raving. As she sets fire to the hoop, her body sensually teases the fire while performing a striptease revealing her acrobatic body. A first class act worthy of the applause and the acclamation it attracts.
Excellent brilliance from a saucy, salacious 'hulagan'...!

An act difficult to follow, or so you might think.

Kiki Lovechild brings a different kind of burlesque to the stage accompanied by his hand puppets. A wonderfully entertaining performance, Kiki, and his ostrich puppet, sends the crowd into a wave of laughter and finishes with an 'encore' - a true performer and entertainer, with his parody of tease and strip, he is worthy of a first place...!

Two acts so far, and the night promises to be filled with first-class acts, so I am not sure how on earth the panel is going to choose a winner if all performances follow this high standard we have witnessed so far...!

Anna the Hulagan

Kiki Lovechild

Showcasing performers from the UK, Australia and the USA, the night provides us with a mixture of parody, satire and wit presented in an entertaining, funny and daring manner. The many faces of burlesque attract and enthral a varied public, all expecting to be amused by a lot more than just a variety show. Unquestionably, the tease and the strip are all part of it, together with acrobatics, fire breathing, story telling; a true burlesque performer is more than just a dancer or a tease, it is a skilled 'showman'.

While most acts are undoubtedly burlesque, Tango Manga leaves us wondering what the connection with burlesque is, as their routine is merely a lap dancing number for a man who has very little significance in this performance except looking completely lost. Pleasing to some eyes, no doubt, but burlesque? Not really...!

Great costumes are as much part of the act as the performance itself. Tonight we have been delighted with some great attires.
Lexi Sexx with half her face covered in a mask, her eccentric act consisting in some masochism, burning her tongue and a nail and hammer...! Finishing with wax poured over her body...! Madness, eccentricity with a touch of exoticism.

Of course, there is no doubt that the striptease and tassel twirling are a complete part of many acts, and the audience would be highly disappointed if they were not teased to the full. Bunny Pistol brings a tassel twirling act of her own...! Her bottom cheeks provide the entertainment as much as the rest! Turning from back to front, showing us how she controls her assets...! A great cheer from the crowd who enjoys a good twirl with a difference.

A magnificent crowd for a brilliant show, but sadly not all can be winners.

Anna the Hulagan took first place whilst Kiki Lovechild came second. Although it felt, by the applause they attracted, both acts were worthy of first place. An opinion I easily share; both wonderfully entertaining in their own special and different way.

Anna the Hulagan - crowned winner of the Triple Crown Games



A splendid night at a perfect venue with glamour all around. A night to remember...!
Bring on the next one, Mr Chaz Royal...!


Eva Lamour


SOME PHOTOS FROM THE TRIPLE CROWN BY JAMES DRURY

Clara Cupcakes

Lexi Sexx

Missy Fatale

Bunny Pistol

Betty D'Light and Duke de Milo