REVIEW: Burlesk
Burlesk
Zodiac, 27 May
Burlesk marks a step back in time: we are transported to an era epitomised by top-hats and tail coats: the Victorian cabaret. Fifteen acts showcase the variable talent, complete with singers, dancers, escape artists and, of course, numerous stripteases. A hypnotic trio of girls open the performance, characterising the night with their fetishistic doll-like movement. Perhaps not the most professional of dancers, their choreography nevertheless manages to entertain.
Their frequent flashing of red lace knickers may be more ominous than sexually appealing, but the enthusiasm of the performers renders us engaged. Rachel Parris offers us a pretty cabaret rendition, establishing the façade of violated innocence by her risqué lyrics: “He took out his trusted drill / And he told me to open wide / He said he wouldn’t hurt me / But he’d fill my hole inside”.
The cultish feel of the performance envelopes us with that corrupt, frail glamour that is suggestively worn away at the edges. The hedonistic escapism is ultimately fun. Burlesk works because of its humility and lack of pretension. It does not take itself too seriously, which leaves the audience free to laugh at the performers as well as at themselves.
25th May 2006