Burlesque Lounge At Doncaster Little Theatre | 28 September 2024
A Night of Glamour, Wit and Show Stopping Burlesque
Burlesque Lounge transformed Doncaster Little Theatre into the ultimate destination for glamour and entertainment on Saturday 28 September 2024. With the show completely sold out, anticipation rippled through the audience as guests took their seats, ready to be transported into a world of elegance, tease and show stopping burlesque artistry. From refined reveals to bold, unforgettable numbers, the night promised spectacle from the very first moment.
The atmosphere inside Doncaster Little Theatre was electric. Every seat was filled with eager spectators, conversations buzzing with excitement as laughter and the gentle clink of glasses echoed through the space. As the lights slowly dimmed, a hush fell over the crowd, signalling the beginning of an evening rich in glamour, charm and breathtaking performance.
Guiding the night with effortless charisma was the enchanting Foo Foo Labelle, who graced the stage as host and immediately captured the audience with her warmth, wit and sparkling presence. Her playful banter and engaging storytelling drew everyone into the magic of burlesque, creating a welcoming and intimate atmosphere. Each introduction became a moment in itself, building anticipation and highlighting the individuality of every performer. Foo Foo’s seamless transitions and vibrant energy became the thread that tied the evening together, ensuring the excitement never waned.
Opening the show with ethereal beauty was Sugarboo, who captivated the audience from her very first step. Draped in a flowing baby pink gown, she embodied elegance and empowerment as she performed to God Is A Woman. Her routine became a graceful dance of reveal and conceal, the fabric of her gown moving like mist around her. Every gesture was precise and intentional, transforming the stage into a vision of softness and strength. The audience followed her every movement, responding with enthusiastic applause for a performance that felt both powerful and poetic.
Mystery and intrigue followed as Luna Lunacy and Ivy Jac took to the stage, facing one another beneath dim lighting while wearing striking face masks. Performing to Midnight, they created an atmosphere of suspense that instantly drew the audience in. Their synchronisation was breathtaking, with gloves removed, long lace skirts sliding away and short capes cast aside in perfectly timed reveals. The dramatic unmasking prompted audible gasps, each reveal heightening excitement. Spirited hip bumps, playful bum rolls and dynamic high kicks showcased their agility and flair, earning thunderous applause for a performance that balanced classic allure with contemporary energy.
In a delightful twist, Foo Foo Labelle returned to the stage for a performance filled with humour and surprise. Introducing a giant marrow as her playful prop, she transformed the unexpected into a centrepiece of laughter and delight, passing it through the audience and inviting everyone into the fun. Beginning in a blue spotted dress, her striptease unfolded with cheeky charm as layers were peeled away to reveal a white cami, before finishing with a mischievous reveal of blue pasties. Her inventive use of props and playful storytelling made this routine one of the most memorable moments of the night.
Sophisticated elegance filled the stage as The Goole Goddesses delivered a classic burlesque routine to Love For Sale. Adorned in eye catching ensembles and wielding light up marabou trimmed umbrellas, they moved with poise and precision. Their choreography blended intricate detail with fluid movement, allowing each performer to shine while maintaining perfect unity. The reveal of bras behind their umbrellas added an element of intrigue, while feather boa bustles were removed with exquisite timing. Their performance paid homage to traditional burlesque while embracing modern flair, leaving the audience mesmerised by their artistry and cohesion.
The energy surged as Khandie Khisses took to the stage, commanding attention with her electrifying presence. Celebrated as the queen of bump and grind, her performance was a masterclass in confidence and sensuality. Each layer removed was met with cheers as she blended bold attitude with playful humour. Moving effortlessly through the crowd, she created moments of intimacy and excitement, drawing the audience deeper into her world. Her magnetic stage presence and impeccable control left no doubt as to why she is a luminary of the burlesque scene, earning thunderous applause and standing as a highlight of the first half.
As the interval was announced, the theatre buzzed with conversation. Guests gathered at the bar, stepped outside for fresh air or remained in animated discussion, sharing favourite moments and speculating eagerly about what the second half of Burlesque Lounge would bring. As the lights dimmed once more, a ripple of excitement swept through Doncaster Little Theatre. The interval had done little to calm the energy in the room. Instead, anticipation had only intensified as the audience returned to their seats, eager to be swept back into the glamour and imagination of Burlesque Lounge.
The second half opened with a breathtaking transformation as Foo Foo Labelle returned to the stage, beginning her performance as a vibrant green caterpillar with striking blue hair. From the very first moment, the audience was captivated by the promise of metamorphosis. As the music unfolded, Foo Foo evolved before their eyes, shedding layers to emerge as a magnificent butterfly. Her illuminated Isis wings filled the stage with shimmering light, each reveal carefully timed to build wonder and delight. When she finally unveiled herself in glittering blue pasties, the theatre erupted in applause. The performance was a stunning visual narrative, celebrating creativity, fantasy and the transformative power of burlesque.
A hush fell as Violet Grace, representing Hull Harlots and Hull Honeys, made her commanding entrance. Dressed in a striking black ensemble that accentuated every movement, she immediately seized the audience’s attention. Her light up whip became an extension of her authority, illuminating each deliberate flick and sweep. Combining powerful floorwork with hypnotic chair techniques, she transformed the stage into her domain. Hold ups, black body and sultry control framed a performance thick with tension and desire. The audience watched, spellbound, as Violet embodied confidence and command, her every movement executed with precision and presence.
Playful charisma followed as Gigi La Clare burst onto the stage brimming with cheekiness and charm. Dressed in a sharp black suit complete with trilby hat and pimp stick, she commanded the spotlight with infectious confidence. Her striptease unfolded teasingly, hat first, then jacket and trousers, each removal punctuated with hip bumps and flirtatious gestures that sent laughter rippling through the audience. The reveal of her lingerie beneath heightened the allure, building toward a confident bra removal that drew loud cheers. Ending with her hat placed cheekily back on her head, Gigi brought her routine full circle in a moment of joyful burlesque storytelling.
The energy surged as Cherry Dynamite, representing Goole Goddesses, Selby Sirens and Selby Starlets, lit up the stage with her powerful performance to The Man. Clad in a dazzling black sequin suit with a bold red trilby and tie, she radiated confidence from the moment she appeared. Each item of clothing was removed with deliberate flair, hat, jacket and trousers discarded as the performance intensified. The final reveal of a striking red tassel bra and glittering sequin pasties was met with roaring applause, cementing her act as a standout display of strength and charisma.
The evening reached its exhilarating conclusion as Khandie Khisses returned to the stage to close the show in unforgettable style. Beginning in a whimsical pink gorilla suit, she immediately challenged expectations, blending humour with bold sensuality. As layers peeled away, the act evolved into a masterclass of tease, complete with daring knee slides, confident struts and magnetic audience interaction. Her performance balanced comedy and raw allure with effortless skill, keeping the audience enthralled until the very last moment. The final reveal sparked explosive applause, a fitting end to a night filled with laughter, glamour and extraordinary talent.
As the curtain fell on Burlesque Lounge, the theatre echoed with cheers and applause. Glitter lingered in the air, smiles spread across every face, and conversations buzzed with excitement as guests relived their favourite moments. The evening had been a celebration of creativity, confidence and connection, a true showcase of the magic that burlesque brings to the stage.
Burlesque Lounge closed on an unforgettable high, leaving audiences already eager for its return and carrying the sparkle of the night with them long after the final feather settled.