Reuben Kaye stars in YouTube channel

... BECAUSE ENTERTAINMENT COMES IN ALL FORMS AND MEDIUMS

How addicted to YouTube are you?
Do you use it for information, entertainment or to showcase your own creations?

Communication in our modern society has been transformed by the use of the internet. No longer do we need to rely on conventional media to cover news-worthy articles or interviews. Watching your favourite artist does not require a TV screen anymore. And you certainly do not need to win the X-factor programme to proudly stage your talent, whether you have some or not!

YouTube has been part of this new trend of communication since 2005, and has been growing at an astonishing rate, just like so many internet services.

YouTube and You

Have you taken advantage of YouTube?
Do you have your own channel?
How many videos have you uploaded already?

Do you use YouTube for tutorials on a multitude of subjects?
Do you use it at work for presentations?

However you invite this medium into your life, we tend to reach straight to YouTube when searching for information or to learn a new skill, to know about history, geography or watch our favourite programme or series.

The performing world has seen YouTube as one of the best platforms ever, to advertise talent, shows, inside stories and anything you are legally allowed to present to the whole world.

Today, I want to share with you the Burlesque Map London YouTube channel, and the magnificent Reuben Kaye who stars in our videos.

Advertising becomes somehow boring because we are continuously bombarded by businesses who want to sell something. As customers, we want to believe that we make up our own mind and are not influenced by these slogans, posters, promises of a better life or a quick get-rich scheme.

Sometimes, we simply want to be entertained...!

So, feel free to enjoy Burlesque Map London videos with the glittering and sumptuous talent of Reuben Kaye, international burlesque performer and compère...!

Leave your comments about your YouTube experiences, and about our striking host at Burlesque Map YouTube videos. Or visit www.burlesquemap.co.uk to leave your feedback.

May the show continue....

Eva Lamour 

The BackCOUNTER Lounge with Ivy Paige and Dusty Limits - 11th June 2016

Right in the busyness and developing area of Vauxhall, the railway arches harbour eccentric, quirky and unique commerce. Hidden in one of those arches, lies a treasure. One of those places you find by chance, and you wish you had known about it before: The Back Counter Lounge.

Never judge a venue by its emplacement. Situated underneath Vauxhall train station, and opposite Vauxhall bus station, this hidden gem will surprise and impress you.

Home to a restaurant and a brasserie, the Counter Restaurant and the Back Counter Lounge stretch from one side of the arches to the other. Philip, the owner, likes to describe it as the longest restaurant in London.

Restaurant at one end (Counter Restaurant), and chic Parisian style bistro at the other, the Back Counter Lounge has recently added an asset to its scene: a monthly burlesque and cabaret show. This evening it was homage to Queen Elizabeth II on her 90th birthday, celebrating it their own way, it was more a tribute to all 'Queens' of the world, but more precisely London. And royal presence, we definitely had.

London has an array of burlesque and cabaret artistes, the only capital city in the world to host such a variety of performers and events. But maybe the reason to be wary of fake glittery shows that sparkle more than impress.

The Back Counter Lounge, however, has done its homework and has launched with nothing less than top end quality, in the world of burlesque and cabaret. Hosting the show, are two of the most talented, witty, and daring performers on the scene: Miss Ivy Paige and Dusty Limits.

Two names that do not need introduction for the connoisseurs of this world.

Ivy Paige is an international performer, artiste, model, comedienne and one of the best voices in cabaret. Whether I have seen Miss Paige in the West End, acting, or in the most illustrious cabaret as a singer and burlesque performer, or showcasing her talent of comedienne as a host or compère, she always seems to feel at home anywhere, exhibiting and flaunting her talent…! And she has a lot to flaunt…!

Tonight she reminds me of a Jessica Rabbit femme fatale, with her magnificent long red hair, her corseted bodice giving her the perfect curves, and her air of nonchalance, and penetrating eyes that entrance and mesmerise you.

The supremacy of Miss Paige, however, is her all-powerful glorious voice. From sensual tone to full voice, she interprets songs with her unique style, leaving the whole room in awe of her bel canto.

One of her strengths is, no doubt, her brilliance at interacting with the audience. Men, you need to be scared, very scared, for Miss Paige can turn from strict headmistress to femme fatale before you even realise. She banters, plays with you, turns you into her slave, and quite honestly, you have no escape if she so chooses. But enjoy the attention, for you will revel in it.

And this evening she is accompanied by another legend of cabaret : Dusty Limits.

Three times London Cabaret Award winner for Best Host / Compère, Australian-born Dusty Limits, is one of the most acclaimed burlesque performers of the neo-cabaret scene.

International artiste, Dusty has performed in the four corners of the world. Possessing a remarkable portfolio of events and venues, he has been praised for his creativity, directing skills, and his remarkable powerful voice.

Tonight, at the Back Counter Lounge, he filled the room with a repertoire totally suited to this celebratory evening. He lent his powerful voice to a mixture of well known songs, as well as his own creations.

But Dusty is much more than his mighty vocal talent. He is a witty, hugely experienced compère, whose presence and persona make him also an artistic visual act. What makes a pro at hosting any event, amalgamating it with his brilliance as a performer? The ease with which he interacts with his audience, no matter what goes on! The tales of the unexpected only fortify his natural talent and flair. And tonight, not only Dusty didn't get phased by a diner who dramatically dropped his glass of wine on the floor, with a mighty noise creating a pool of red gold, but he managed to turn the whole incident into a sideshow. Simply Fantastic!

Is there something in Australian waters that breeds talent? Bring it on, that's all I say…!!

In the spirit of new beginnings, the Back Counter Club introduced new voices to this cabaret evening: the Vox Vixens. In their debut performance, this fabulous quartet enthralled the audience with their powerful voices. Singing 'Sweet dreams' with no background music or instruments, their act was a jaw dropping moment, leaving the diners in total awe of their singing talent. And I'm not simply talking  of their talent at interpreting songs, it is their creativity at making each number their own that will totally bewilder you. Any good voice could recreate a classic, but to reinvent it requires genius, and these girls ooze it by the gallon…!!

They have presence. They have power. They have charisma. This is a cabaret act with art…!


But this evening would not have been quite the same without the musical banter of Lord Hicks. His musical power lies more in his lyrics than his vocal tones. So, listen very carefully because this is an act not to miss.
A rather posh guy, and Oxford scholar, you will not be disappointed by his non-pompous musical talent. This royal-tea lover (or so I've heard) is not so much about RP but more about syntax. Indeed, his lyrics will bring colours to your ears, for if you are easily offended by rude words and sentences, better go find something else to do now.

 


Accompanied by his ukelele, Lord Hicks sends the audience into bouts of laughter with his innuendos and his parody of online dating. His tale of total frustration at not finding decent connections on social media has turned this modern age technology into a brilliant topic for this crude and yet polished oeuvre d'art.


Regular intervals throughout the evening extends the pleasure of this great entertainment. Rather than displaying the acts in a succession, the enjoyment is spread over three hours. A magnificent treat for those who love to prolong the joy.

I love that the performers are sitting nearby, approachable, sociable, creating a more intimate ambiance and a nicer touch to the whole event.

And if you are wondering about the cuisine, your palate will be as delighted as your other senses. The friendly and attentive team made the whole experience stress free, happy to help, ensuring that all was well throughout the whole evening.  

All in all a night of gratification all round. But what better than experience it first hand..! Take yourself along for the next event, you will be charmed by this high class hideaway.




Eva Lamour


All Photography by James Drury


Note: BackCOUNTER Lounge, Vauxhall Station, South Lambeth Road, SW8 1SR. To make reservation, please phone +44 20 3693 9600
Nearest tube: Vauxhall.

More information on Burlesque Map London at www.burlesquemap.co.uk

Burlesque Map London, issue 4

BURLESQUE MAP LONDON, issue 4

created by PictureRama Publishing


PictureRama Publishing has launched edition 4 of Burlesque Map London, the leading map of the burlesque and cabaret scene.

With YOU in mind, Burlesque Map London have compiled a pocket size, easy to use guide to the world of burlesque, cabaret and vintage. This one-of-a-kind publication features a street map of London and over 200 listings of the most relevant and valuable places, all checked for you.

It comprises shops, hotels, cafés, restaurants, vintage and retro fashion, hair and beauty, accessories, associations, tuition, together with burlesque shows and cabaret acts.

For the avid globetrotter or the occasional tourist, Burlesque Map London takes you on a tour of European cities with a unique list of must-see festivals. As burlesque tourism is on the increase, you can now harmonise holiday and show abroad.

Burlesque Map London is also a valued source of relevant information for producers, performers, promoters, publishers and others, creating a most comprehensive directory for key people, and key groups within the burlesque milieu.

So, don't encumber yourself with pages and pages of information, or days of internet research to find your burlesque necessaries. This ultimate accessory will guide you towards your most desired essentials or interests.

The Map is reviewed yearly, ensuring that new information is included regularly, giving the readers a continuous updated view of the burlesque and cabaret world.

Copies of Burlesque Map London can be purchased for just £4 (free postage) in the on-line shop at: www.burlesquemap.co.uk

This unique publication is also available across 100s of tightly controlled distribution points including carefully selected shops, cabarets, bars, clubs and hotels across London and other national and worldwide outlets.

PictureRama Publishing

PictureRama has been providing photography and journalism to worldwide publishers and the alternative press for 20 years. Numerous exhibitions, magazines and on-line publications have featured PictureRama photography.

More information about PictureRama Publishing and photography can be found on: www.PictureRama.co.uk

Eva Lamour

The Boom and Bang Club - Clapham Grand 25th July 2015

The evening was already getting going as I wandered along Lavender Hill, Battersea, London. Having already assisted a cyclist, following an unfortunate accident and dispatched him to hospital, I felt just about ready for anything...!

Arriving at The Clapham Grand, an awesome and imposing venue, former Victorian music hall, I was confronted by a large rowdy crowd of 'young ladies' sporting sashes and fluffy, flashing bunny ears! Was I in the right place? Had I stumbled upon a hen party convention?

Taking a vantage point in a bar opposite, I observed and recomposed myself. As it turned out, in the hour leading up to the 10pm start of Boom & Bang Club there was an opportunity for hen prospects to mingle with, and have pictures taken with near naked, oiled and muscled male dancers... It was clearly very popular...!

For the first time ever I was asked for ID, and once that indignity was done, I was in! The full spectacle confronted me, light shows from floor to ceiling and an ocean of gyrating bodies on and off stage...!

This is a new night for Boom & Bang at The Clapham Grand, and it is full-on visual light show meets circus clowns, dancers and big club sounds. Boom & Bang have been around for a while with revered late night shows at The Hippodrome Casino, but this circus/club fusion at Clapham Grand is a new concept.

Behind Boom & Bang is Bioux Hayes, who was DJing and the music made the evening: Retro to 80s club tunes - just my genre! More world famous DJs are lined up for future events.

The Grand lent itself well with its 2 rows of 3 grand boxes providing vantage spots for gyrating clowns... Dot Cotton (part of The Late Night Shop Cabaret), and the team of clowns, provided the most colourful live entertainment.

www.thelatenightshop.co.nr

If in Clapham on a Saturday night, and a fantasy fusion of audio/visuals, clowning cabaret and retro sounds suit you then Bang & Boom Club should be experienced to be believed...!

www.boomandbang.co.uk
www.claphamgrand.com

words by:

Pierce de Resistance

Photography by Picturerama - James Drury

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

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

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