Spa Pavilion, Strathpeffer, 31 March 2012

BURLESQUE is a word which has had changed its meaning over the centuries.

THE roots of the sort of burlesque practised today lie in the pantomime-influenced Victorian variety shows of the 19th century (older readers may remember a sanitised television version entitled The Good Old Days) which, when exported to America, gradually began to feature both striptease and a generous dollop of circus.

An Evening of Burlesque

Burlesque was the training ground for generations of early 20th century American dancers, singers and comedians and it’s that era that neo-burlesque aims, with loving care, to recreate, with its emphasis on spectacle, glamour and humour, often satirical. Its most famous practitioner is probably Ms Dita von Teese, aka Mrs Marilyn Manson.

So far there has been little sign of the burlesque revival reaching the Highlands, so full marks to Strathpeffer Pavilion for taking the first step last year.
Such was the enthusiasm that they decided to repeat it. Last year’s attenders were easy to spot as they’d dressed to impress, Imelda May-lookalikes rubbing shoulders with silent movie vamps and Gene Kelly-era sailors.

The show was advertised with the slogan “All tease, no sleaze” and fully lived up to it. Artfully choreographed striptease routines featured stunning couture corsets, killer heels and luxurious fans.

Slinky Sparkles stunned the audience with whirling wings of silk lamé, Chrys Columbine stripped while playing a Chopin polonaise – both sassy, intelligent striptease routines as far from the tired bump ‘n’ grind of a traditional strip club as it is possible to imagine. Performances by Amber Topaz and OoLaLoo shared a knowing, nostalgic humour, evoking pinup magazines of the pre-WW2 era – daring then, now tame enough to share with a minister.

Kalki Hula Girl’s evocation of a drunken teenager stumbling around the stage, vomiting into her handbag and somehow manoevering five hula hoops simultaneously – in time to the music – was circus clowning brought bang up to date. A. J. James provided a deft line in patter during the comedy filling in the striptease sandwich, with more than a touch of Norman Wisdom. Compering the evening, voluptuous chanteuse Ivy Paige deftly handled some very jolly audience participation and though fully clothed, often managed to steal the show with her homage to Mae West. Good, clean fun.

© Jennie Macfie, 2012

Links

• Jennie Macfie