London's well-established burlesque and cabaret scene has a full calendar of events happening over the coming weeks. From tattoo art to world-class peelers, here's our pick of the bunch this month.
Opening this evening at 6:00pm, the Nelly Duff gallery on Columbia Road has a 'pop-up' exhibition of Dutch tattoo artist Angelique Houtkamp's burlesque-inspired artwork, featuring her trademark wide-eyed beauties. The title of her new show, 'Bona Drag', is Polari slang for 'nice outfit' and a new print is being released as part of the show.
Open tonight until 9:00pm, Friday 10:00am - 6:00pm and Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm.
As part of the See You Next Tuesday festival marking International Women's Day 2010, All The King's Men are appearing at the New Players Theatre on the 11th and 12th. This all-female drag troupe from Boston brings their award-winning satirical revue to the UK for the first time. It's billed as a modern Vaudevillian spectacle and rampages its way through an hour of dance, comedy and burlesque with a distinctly feminist twist. Tickets are £12, the show starts at 10:00pm.
If you fancy having a go at the art of the tease yourself, book into a free class at the Burlesque Baby Bonanza at the Highlight Club on the 18th. Afterwards you can watch newcomers battling it out for the title of Burly Queen, all set to DJ Suave's soundtrack of forties and fifties tunes.
Tickets are already on sale for the London Burlesque Festival which takes place in venues all over the capital including Cafe de Paris, the Royal Vauxhall Tavern and Madame Jojo's from 20th - 25th April. This ever-growing annual festival unites international talent with the delightfully naughty influence of top comperes including the fantastically irrepressible Kiki Kaboom and Dusty Limits. It usually sells out, so get in early for your pick of the numerous events.
