A quick history lesson
Burlesque performances are a form of theatrical show usually incorporating comedy, dancing and striptease all in one sketch (Skits). Although not necessarily, it tends to be female performers who dominate the scene and these accompany their sketches with a variety of elaborate costumes, accessories and implements including feathers, tassels and props. The costumes, lighting, music and add-ons (such as firebreathing, gymnastics or singing) all add to the atmosphere and entertainment.
In the 19th Century, burlesque shows used comedy and music to challenge the established way of looking at things in a whole variety of forms - mime, dancing, singing and striptease amongst others. It was from the 1840s onwards that these performances entertained the lower and middle classes in Great Britain and the United States by making fun of (aka "burlesquing") the operas, shakespearean theatre and other plays and social habits of the bourgeoisie.
Most acts would contain sexually suggestive dialogue, dance and plotlines. The shows would consist of several, not very complex sketches, quick witted humour, puns and short routines.
The popular burlesque show of the 1910 Chicago period eventually evolved into the comical strip tease which later became the dominant ingredient of burlesque as we know it today.
Picture from Polestars \n\nSo where are the best Burlesque performances in London?
We've found the following clubs that are all about Burlesque dancing, dressing up and having a good time. Some also have unusual cabaret performances and all are dominated by the 1920s - 1950s era.
Madame JoJo's
The London Burlesque Social Club is a monthly night in the heart of London.
On the 1st Thursday of each month at Madame Jojo's in Soho, this night will offers you the best Bawdy Burlesque, Cabaret & Vaudeville acts locally & from abroad. Expect the Burlesque Strip Teasers, Variety & Novelty Acts, Slap Stick Comedians, Hot DJs, Hilarious Hosts & more!
Nights start at 9pm and finish at 3am, tickets are £10.50 if you book in advance/£15 at the door/£5 for after-party only.
Soho Revue Bar
The Wam Bam Club is a monthly comedy, magic, music and burlesque show in the heart of Soho. Acts that have performed there in the past include: Richard Herring, Barry and Stuart, Stella Plumes, Lucy Porter and Trevor Lock.
The special thing about the Wam Bam Club is that they also cater for private events, whether it’s a Christmas party or an office; they have access to a number of London Venues and they also come to your office/ function room.
Cafe de Paris
The Flash Monkey is London's premiere exotic, Burlesque cabaret with professional musicians, circus and fairground-sideshow acts and performers from London and worldwide. After the shows, there’s the club until late with resident & guest Djs and a chic and diverse crowd.
All music for the actual show is performed live, that allows for spontaneous improvisational interplay between the performers, audience reaction, the band and so on. The Flash Monkey is all about keeping with the spirit of the of burlesque & cabaret of the 20s- early 60s.
Platinum Bar
The Lady Luck Club is on every first Friday of the month, 10pm-5am, £10 before 11pm, £12 after - chic attire only!
Jamm
The Cathouse combines elements of burlesque with electro, house and breaks with two rooms of Djs, live bands, performance and the Cathouse casino. Dresscode is (according to their webpage) ‘anything Hedonistic, Anti-fashion, Burlesque, Lounge Exotica, Cabaret, Electro Glam or Future Punk’\n\nFancy a go yourself? How about Burlesque lessons!
The London Academy of Burlesque provides Burlesque choreography sessions, classes and workshops including character work, props and movement. They also do sessions for hen nights; short courses are also available! The classes and workshops are held at various dance studios in London.
Shimmy Shake Workshops: These take place before one of the Shimmy Shake shows such as the one at Madame Jojo's in September. The workshops allow you to familiarise yourself with the history of the art and to learn the key techniques. Afterwards you can sit back and watch the professionals at work in the show.
Polestars offer a variety of courses and lessons in different performance styles including Burlesque. They also offer packages for special occasions and hen parties.
Gerard Simi’s Burlesque Factory has taught professional dancers and performers as well as those just wanting to learn for fun. Gerard has himself trained performers for the famous Raymond Revue in Soho and now holds regular Burlesque courses as well as Burlesque Party classes.
