Burlesque was essentially a sexed-up version of American vaudeville which was basically the same as the old British music-hall. While not perhaps making a comeback at least there are those who are making a worthy attempt to keep the flag (and the feathers) flying. Missy Malone is one.
Last night’s two sell-out shows at the lovely and intimate Playhouse Theatre in Cheltenham were a testament to the fact that people still want this sort of entertainment. Missy Malone and Friends Burlesque Revue is essentially an old-time variety show with the emphasis on exotic dancing – am I allowed to call them strippers?
The evening was hosted by a young man called Des O’Connor, no, not the Des O’Connor, another one, dressed all in white with a white face save for a painted-on glitter eye-mask. His name ensured a laugh before he opened his mouth. His patter is very much of old-school comedians like Max Miller but his material is even more risqué. Des was in nostalgic mood last night, dwelling heavily on the recent deaths of Victoria Wood and Prince. He did a wonderful pastiche on Let’s Do It, substituting Ms Wood and Prince as the protagonists. In the second half he did a straight, heart-felt version of Purple Rain and gave us a few bars on his tenor sax.
Missy Malone herself opened and closed the show and she really is a class act, no gimmicks, just a lot of style, confidence and finesse. This year’s show benefited from an additional speciality act and first up was comedian Tom Balmont who, for his first spot, swallowed a sword after demonstrating its genuineness by slicing a cucumber which was held erect by a lady from the audience. As you can imagine, much hilarity ensued based on the cucumber – nuff said.
Kitty Ribbons’ first appearance was an odd affair but one I really enjoyed. She arrived on stage in a suitcase and then danced around looking like something out of a Fellini film without really doing anything apart from a bit of juggling. No stripping, nothing, but I thought it was excellent.
The other dancer on the bill was the tall and elegant Sophia St Villier whose first set utilised a lot of plumage from exotic lands and whose second involved shedding a top hat and tails.
The second half got underway with, I think, the high-spot of the show – The Great Voltini, assisted by Nurse Electra. The stage was filled with an assortment of strange electrical equipment that looked capable of bringing Frankenstein’s monster to life. Sparks flew, literally, as Mr Voltini lit up parts of his body where the sun don’t normally shine. Great fun, loved it.
I thought the balance was perfect in this show, having three dancers and three comedians/speciality acts and the packed theatre lapped-up every minute vocalising their enthusiasm at every opportunity.
Missy Malone and Friends Burlesque Revue tours extensively throughout the UK so if you haven’t seen it yet I suggest you do at the first opportunity. ★★★★☆ Michael Hasted 24th April 2016
