Amber Topaz takes it off with style
Featuring skits inspired by real life interviews with contemporary burlesque performers and stories “of the legends” along with actual dancers saucily stripping, Burlexe at Soho’s Shadow Lounge aspires to be the Vagina Monologues of burlesque. How’s that for a Wednesday night out on the town?
Starring the grand dame of British burlesque, Jo King, and sensational R’n’B singer, Kele le Roc (amazing voice!!!), Burlexe takes a look beyond the stage into the world of burlesque – how the dancers got into it … how they cope … how the industry’s changed over the years … the highs, the lows … the good, bad and ugly.
And if you think such dancers daringly expose themselves when they’re topless and wiggling about onstage, you should see ’em when they’re recounting tales of tough luck in a sexist society.
Maybe there’s a bit more Vagina Monologues and the show’s slightly too maudlin than certain fans of burlesque would prefer (some of the subject matter is rather heavy and might not be the sort of stuff you’d hope to ponder during an evening out with friends). Still, tongues are planted firmly in cheek for most of the show – and to be sure you get to see beautiful woman shake their money makers and get their tassled tits out.
I, for one, enjoyed myself immensely when I checked out the show this week. I laughed a lot. I blushed as dancers made eye contact, took to the audience and once when one performer even ran her finger along my jawline as she serenaded me. Ooh la la!
Kele le Roc wins a new fan
As I understand it, the dancers change from week to week. My visit saw an exceptionally seductive (and very good actor) Chloe Ewart and an agile and kinda wacky Amber Topaz wow the audience. With respect to the non-dancing bits, each performance wasn’t perfect but what was good was truly great. And I felt the little imperfections along with the bare bones non-set (just a stage, static lighting and a DJ) added to the behind the scenes feel of the show.
I only have one complaint – having to pay £5 for a bottle of Peroni. Central London these days. Sigh. Aside from that, I had a lot of fun and am happy to recommend Burlexe. If burlesque is your thing, this show is a must!
Burlexe runs every Wednesday night (with no end date that I know of) from 7.30pm at the Shadow Lounge, 5-7 Brewer Street, W1F 0RF. Doors open at 7pm.
Tickets normally cost £25 (and you’d be wise to book in advance – they’ve had 11 sell out shows in 18 weeks). But check this out: I’ve got a promo code to share with you!
Type in BURLEXE-NEW when you book and get ten quid off the ticket price!
Find out more at burlexe.com.
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