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Burlesque gets a bad rap sometimes because let’s face it – the majority of performance these days is unimaginative strip tease. Enter The Burlesque Hour, Finucane and Smith’s rotating ragtag troupe of circus performers, cabaret and performance artists. This is what burlesque should be – performance art that’s challenging, provocative, satirical and at times deeply discomforting.
This season’s line up features Moira Finucane, leader of the troup and performer of the most uncomfortable pieces, so captivating the audience sits in silence (and possibly fear) as she commands the catwalk. Singer Meow Meow is in her element performing demented and glorious cabaret, climbing into the audience and dragging people on stage while singing like a bird.
Harriet Ritchie performs a grotesquely erotic dance to ‘Foxy Lady’ in a rejected outfit from Cats, while Ursula Martinez has the most left-field performance of the night with her ridiculously amazing and cheeky disappearing hanky act and a duet with herself to the track Two Timing Man.
If you’re looking to be titillated by nice ladies The Burlesque Hour is not for you. Hot, sticky and sharp – if you’re looking to see a mind bending all female revue of talent and creativity that’s rarely seen this is your ticket.