Hurly Burly Show, Duchess Theatre

The fun, flamboyant and fabulously flirty Hurly Burly show is in town for a strictly limited season of twelve weeks.

I joined Kylie Minogue and other stars at the VIP Gala night for London’s best burlesque production. The crowd, orchestra and performers are all beautiful, I spotted the kick-ass retro girl band the Tootsie Rollers and other familiar faces… celebrities and commoners alike all dressed for the occasion in fishnet stockings, high heels and corsets.

Miss Polly Rae is the star femme fatale and founder of The Hurly Burly Show. She is a delicious redhead, I have seen previously at the Volupte afternoon tea. She leads the Hurly Burly girlies in joyfully naughty performances, strutting her stuff and ruffling her feathers much to the delight of the whooping audience. Polly has it all, cheeky character and striking looks in abundance. I loved all her routines, but the final Japanese inspired dance is particularly elaborate and alluring. The rest of the crew are just as impressive, each girl with her own assets and persona. We loved the Head Girl played by Rachel Muldoon, whose balletic choreography and sultry looks make her an exemplary burlesque and dippy blonde Caroline Amer is hilarious on stage and has a tremendous voice.

The production is unlike any other… burlesque is typically performed in small more intimate venues and yet in the big West End Duchess Theatre, the Hurly Burly show excels and miraculously still feels cosy. Credit surely must go to the brilliant creative team: director William Baker, musical director Steve Anderson, choreographer Ashley Wallen and production designer Alan Macdonald. The show doesn’t have much of a narrative, instead the gaggle of gals is commanded by the compere Joanna Woodward who introduces each titillating act.

First thing I did when I got home? Went straight to the computer, and looked up the schedule for burlesque lessons at Pineapple Dance Studios… I am desperate to learn how to move like these strong, sassy, sexy women.

Oh and I must admit, I’ve fallen a little bit in love with Miss Polly Rae, I think after seeing this show, you will too.

Hurly Burly show continues until 22 September book here.

Afternoon Tease at Volupte, Chancery Lane

Cakes and cabaret, it turns out, is a pretty good combination. Volupte is the sultry and fabulously sexy hang-out where vintage gals come to drink tea and be voyeurs in on the burlesque bonanza. While one butters scones and scoffs sandwiches, one is treated to performances from cabaret singers and beautiful burlesque artistes. Located down a side street in Chancery Lane, you would never expect such a fantastical place in the land of lawyers. The room is filled with small tables and a challenging small stage is set up for the performers and a drum-piano duo.

Upstairs the Bon Bon bar is beautifully decorated and is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or four! I adored this bar and the drinks the expert barman made for us: the ‘Miss Marshmallow’ is sugary but spectacular and the ‘Hard Candy’ comes customised with a sweet bracelet. My friend, who was suffering from a horrible cold was treated to a medicinal Hot Tottie cocktail which she said was delicious and very efficacious.

Showtime began at 3pm and our host sashayed onto the stage. Our compere for the day, Vicious Delicious, was more vicious than delicious and slightly scary especially from the proximity of the front row seats! Cackling and screaming abuse at the one and only male in the room, she introduced the acts for the afternoon. Each dancer or comedian was entertaining and fun though for real wow factor… we had to wait until the star act was introduced.

Miss Polly Rae provocatively stalked the stage, clad in a slinky crystal dress, a beautiful performer that one cannot help but fall in love with. Coy and cute, daring and delicious, I was utterly captivated by this fiery redhead who has established herself as a prominent part of London’s cabaret-burlesque scene. As the star of the show she performed twice, first singing-speaking a clever attitudey song about the misconceptions of a burlesque dancer then coming on at the end to delight us all with the fluttering birdlike dance for which she is known. She is divine and her performance spectacular.

I was too distracted by the titillating showcase to take much notice of the tea… though the scones and sandwiches were delicious… in particular the mini raisin scones with thick clotted cream and strawberry jam. It is the cocktails and wonderful alcoholic teas that really excited me… and I cannot wait to return to try more of the extensive and innovative cocktail list.

Volupte’s very special themed afternoon tea is a fun way to frolic and fantasise on a Saturday afternoon, I absolutely loved it.

Afternoon Tease costs £42 pp including show and full afternoon tea with a glass of fizz.

Visit the website to book here.