Having seen and thoroughly enjoyed the House of Burlesque’s 2014 show, I was very keen to see what they had to offer us for 2015 and I was not disappointed. London’s Wonderground is a perfect setting. The staff are not only helpful and courteous but fully engaged and in character for the cabaret, giving an almost circus like animalistic and carnal feel to the proceedings in the ‘Big Top’ style Spiegeltent. You can smell the pheromones in the air as the audience wait to be teased and titillated.
This year’s ‘Straight Up’ show does exactly what it says on the tin. It is straight up, straight at you and like its alcoholic theme is undiluted with plenty of twists and a kick. Led by the formidable Miss Tempest Rose this group of beautiful and talented lovelies show a skill set far surpassing that of just show girls and guys. This is a variety show of the highest calibre, London’s very own Vegas.
The opening performance is stunning. Neon bodies writhe in the dark whilst the amazing Storm Hooper creates a visual effect with her mass of hoola hoops. The speed and precision of the flashing hoop movement as Storm and her dancers work their bodies in and around them creates a blinding luminous almost alien vision and creates the perfect entrance for our host. Miss Tempest arrives aglow and ready to encourage us to indulge in the odd tipple and loosen our inhibitions. Prepare to be entertained – Burlesque style!
The performances are all very unique and the perfect character chosen to reflect the music and routine. Riri Caboose is a classic ‘Lola’ style showgirl shaking her booty and her glitter to an almost calypso style version of ‘Tequila’. Ooh La Lou is very athletic, able and entertaining and Lolo Brow has amazing comic timing and expression whilst looking like the hungover bride of Batman’s Joker.
Jo Foley performs incredible feats on an aerial hoop, whilst another of the ensemble performs a Disney meets Sesame Street dance with an over amorous hand puppet. There is no end to these ladies talents. The singular male performer of the House, Esquire De Lune, performs his striptease in reverse beginning from the shower and illustrating how getting dressed can be just as sexy as getting undressed. Individually they are amazing; together they are even more awesome. The ensemble routines are a highlight, in particular a zombie pirate mash up with a rocking soundtrack that whips the audience into frenzy.
Miss Tempest Rose is the perfect host, encouraging textual interaction and her flirtatious nature making everybody feel involved. She is glamorous, humorous and above all has a brilliant voice. The ensemble performance of Britney Spears’ ‘Toxic’ is impeccable with a fantastically choreographed routine, bright costumes and Miss Rose’s surprisingly powerful vocals. Her jazz rendition of Beyonce’s ‘Drunk in Love’ is sexy and sultry and seductive, a perfect wind down moment.
The House of Burlesque is a marvellous show of women’s empowerment. These ladies are not size zero, for the most they are voluptuous and curvaceous and proud of it. They tear up the ‘Are you Beach Body ready’ advert. They are an inspiration as well as an entertainment. An evening well spent with feel good factor in abundance!
Review by Rachel Borland
Cast:
Tempest Rose
Betsy Bon Bon
Lolo Brow
Esquire de Lune
Storm Hooper
Jo Foley
Oh la Lou
Leonie Soprano
Riri Caboose
Trixie Kixx
Gracie Disgrace
Bettie Blush
and Fillie J’adore
Producer – Alex Rochford for TheProducersUK
Director – Tempest Rose
How do you like your Burlesque – sweet, dirty or perfect?
In year four of their wildly successful Wonderground residency, multi sell-out House of Burlesque are back with a double shot of the best and most entertaining burlesque in town…with a twist. A brand new show, with your beloved House of Burlesque stars, inspired by the nation’s favourite pastime… the demon drink!
Grab the salt and lemon as International showgirl superstar Miss Tempest Rose leads you through the contents of her liquor cabinet, mixing up a cocktail of the cheekiest, cleverest, and down right stunning burlesque… on the rocks. From rum swigging pirates and showgirl Beefeaters; to martini guzzling hunks and ice-cold vodka vixens…there are some hangovers that are worth having.
House of Burlesque: Straight Up
28th May – 24th Sep 2015, 9.30pm
Age Restrictions: Suitable ages 16+
Running Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Browse our website for London theatre tickets for London West End theatres. Book tickets for shows, musicals, plays, drama, opera, dance, comedy & more!