Theatre / Angelique Dominique
Review: Burlesque Wonderland, Fleece
The cobbles of St Thomas Street are drenched in red carpet tonight – leading hundreds of dressed-up dazzlers not just to The Fleece, but into a world of glittering glamour and playful intrigue.
The transformative power of Burlesque Wonderland – Alice Through the Martini Glass was such that a familiar old gig haunt had become a decadent land of imagination for the evening. With hand stamped with a corset image, and cute Alice in Wonderland playing cards dished out upon arrival, it was time to plunge down the rabbit hole into the winking world of burlesque.
Essentially, it’s one big, flamboyant, sexy circus. With outlandish decorations stretching as far as the eye could see from within the crowd of top hats, corsets and stripy tights, Alice Through the Martini Glass was a glittering delight. Burlesque performers each took their turn to dominate the stage with dramatic flair and presence. Foo Foo Labelle gave an exuberant performance full of brassy character, delivered with the grace of a ballerina; Angelique Dominique tantalized with her mischievous smile and infectiously sweet charisma.
Between the flapping and whirling of feather fans, fire performers kept the atmosphere red hot with a hypnotic display of tricks while belly dancers writhed and bewitched the joyous eccentric crowd. As the evening danced on in the fiery spirit of all things quirky, the wide array of entertainment flowed like the special porn-themed martinis.
From the razor-sharp remarks of bearded drag queen Ruby Rawbone to the cheeky sensuality of headline act Kitty Kane, the transition between such a variety of performances was beautifully seamless. Headliner Kane was luminous, peeling off her vintage clothes with her trademark hypnotic charm. Effortlessly capping off an extravagant night, it’s no wonder she has become of one burlesque’s finest superstars.
If you like both your martinis and your entertainment with a twist, Burlesque Wonderland is definitely worth checking out.
Burlesque Wonderland: Alice Through The Martini Glass was at The Fleece on Saturday, October 1. For more Burlesque Wonderland events, visit www.burlesquewonderland.co.uk
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