A History of British Burlesque

First Published (as edited version ‘The Real Burlesque’) : 8th July 2008 in Bizarre Magazine. Dennis Publishing

‘TICKLE MY FANCY’
British Burlesque: Funny Ha-Ha or Funny Peculiar?

The art of traditional (sometimes known as ‘classical’) Burlesquing is currently being thoroughly misrepresented and therefore misunderstood. It is not the same thing as the 20th and 21st century […]

Diamonds From the Rough

First Published (edited as The Darker Side of Burlesque) : 8th July 2008 in Bizarre Magazine. Dennis Publishing
‘Diamonds From the Rough’
Tinted, Tainted & Tarnished - A Portrait of Golden Burlesque
Since their emergence in the early 20th century, American burlesque shows have specifically promoted adult-oriented entertainment. In many respects, the early promoters even pioneered […]

Life & Legacy of Gypsy Rose Lee

“Gypsy” was born on 9th February, 1914 to Rose and John Hovick, in Seattle, USA and named Rose Lousie Hovick. Gypsy Rose Lee had a colourful career with as much unhappiness as apparent success. Like many striptease acts, she came into the form through an unhappy string of events but unlike most, she ended up […]

The Life & Legacy of Josephine Baker

Originally hailing from America, Josephine Baker made her name on the other side of the Atlantic, Paris to be precise, where her exotic beauty and high-energy performance style captivated audiences.Known as “Black Venus”, “Black Pearl” and “Creole Goddess”, she was a celebrity for more than fifty years until her death in 1975.
Of humble birth to […]

Burlesque in Briefs - A Short History

The term ‘Burlesque’ literally means “to imitate, parody or send up”. In short, it is a humour based form of theatrical entertainment found throughout early variety theatres but mainly popularised by 19th century Music Hall.

What is it all about?
It’s everywhere there is farce, disguise, transformation and satire. It transcends demographics and pokes fun […]