Victorian burlesque, sometimes known as “travesty” or “extravaganza”, was popular in London theatres between the 1830’s and the 1890’s. It took the form of musical theatre parody in which a well-known opera, play or ballet was adapted into a broad comic play, usually a musical play, often risqué in style, mocking the theatrical and musical conventions and styles of the original work, and quoting or pastiching text or music from the original work. The comedy often stemmed from the incongruity and absurdity of the classical subjects, with realistic historical dress and settings, being juxtaposed with the modern activities portrayed by the actors.
Nowadays, Burlesque entertainment is making a comeback, but without much of the parody and pastiche. In the main, Burlesque artists are female, wearing extravagant clothes or next to nothing (depending on their act).
Amelie. Burlesque performer
Some artists entertain with singing, others with angle grinding, others with striptease or popping balloons attached to their body. Some have elaborate stage props such as champagne glasses or giant birdcages, while other make more use of the macabre and provide plenty of (stage) blood.
Roxy in her birdcage
- Macabre Burlesque with loads of (stage) blood
When thinking of booking a Burlesque performer, it helps to have an idea of the type of performance you are looking for. All are aimed at adult audiences, and while some of the girls go topless (or even occasionally fully naked) the vast majority don’t. Titillation and showmanship (showwomanship?) are much more in demand than nudity.
Burlesque titillation
Feathers and sequins are often parts of a flamboyant burlesque costume, and some performers even use snakes in their shows.
A flamboyant feathered costume for a Burlesque performer
There are, however, a growing number of male performers who are working in Burlesque nowadays. Some of these have tailored Burlesque acts, while others adapt their normal “circus” routine to suit the Burlesque. Some of these work as comperes for a show and possibly add short sketches between acts, others provide full burlesque acts ranging from “dangerous” juggling, fire, acrobatics and comedy.
AJ James Juggler and Burlesque performer
Male Burlesque performer
Male Burlesque performer and compere
Uk Circusperformers 