REVIEW | An Evening Of Burlesque, Adelphi Theatre
Written by Cathie
Content warnings: audience participation (right hand side of stage- first 5 rows) strip teases, flashing lights, pyrotechnics and swearing.
The tagline to An Evening of Burlesque, the longest-running touring burlesque show, is ‘a night of laughter, cabaret, mystery and glamour’ and this event most definitely delivered. The tone is set marvellously by glamourous host Ivy Paige and the L’Sheila Showgirls sashaying onto the stage singing a hilariously altered ‘Welcome to Burlesque’.
This show does include the expected strip teases and champagne glass shimmies which are all just on the right side of classy (performed by vibrant stars Bell De Beuvoir, Velvet Jones, Sebastian Angelique and headlined by Isabella Bliss). However, along with the sway of gigantic oversized fans, flirty feather boas and glitzy costumes, this show is also broken up with comedic magic acts (Christian Lee), circus stunt performances (Matt Pang), sultry singing (Saucy Davis Jnr) and flamboyant fire breathing acts (Sebastian Angelique).
Although they are all brilliant performers Saucy Davis Jnr’s singing was definitely one of my favourite highlights of the evening along with the fire-breathing Sebastian Angelique. Several acts such as Isabella Bliss as Marylin Monroe looking for a husband and Matt Pang’s circus act required audience participation on stage. They were mostly good sports, aside from the tying of certain straight jacket straps, and I think the audience who chose Mr Monroe will definitely never forget his honeymoon in ‘Southend’. This considerable variety means that the pace stays sharp and maintains well over the evening. This is a show that would definitely shine in more intimate settings.
You have to lean into the zaniness to really enjoy this show but it is definitely worth it when you do. Aside from the wonderfully inclusive cast of performers was the sense of sheer joy that boomed from the stage. You can really see that the performers are all utterly dedicated to their performances and are so passionate to share that love of burlesque with the audience. I really admired their confidence on stage and this was a feeling I heard echoed by many fellow audience members. The cast and show host Ivy Paige mention multiple times that they hope this show boosts self-esteem and encourages the audience to love themselves and this came across in an authentic, caring way. It was especially lovely to see so many women in the audience feel empowered by this show afterwards and I talked to a few who will be doing burlesque classes because of this experience.
If you’re longing for a night out of saucy entertainment and raunchy jokes served with twirling tassels, shimmering sequins and dizzying circus pyrotechnics, then this is definitely the show for you.
All information on where you can see An Evening of Burlesque can be found on their website.
