Burlesque in Dublin has made its glorious return with the launch of a multi-gendered competition. 2022 sees Miss Burlesque and Mr Burlesque Ireland competitions merge to become Mx Burlesque Ireland, a competition that is open to all genders.
With overall winners for Dublin and Ireland, those who don the sash will get to choose whether it says Miss Burlesque Ireland, Mr Burlesque Ireland or Mx Burlesque Ireland.
The launch of the competition took place on Sunday, May 15 and saw the 2022 competitors take to the stage. Among this year's performers taking part are Bonnie Boux, Lykan Animal, Chaotic Queer, Virgo Moon and many more.
Read more: Dublin phrases that will baffle non-Dubliners
One act, who describes themselves as the queerest of the queer, Blueburd Absurd, caught up with Dublin Live to tell us all about the competition and the vibrant burlesque scene in Ireland.
She said: "Our relaunch is part of a global change. It's a multi-gendered competition now.
"Every country has their own competition. We have two crowns, Mx Dublin and MX Ireland. The winner of MX Ireland will hold that title and then represent Ireland in festivals and shows around the world. "
Speaking about her own act, which is full of shocking yet fascinating surprises, Bluebird Absurd (AKA Sara Vogel) revealed that she is a "human pin cushion".
She said: "I'm a freak show act. I do live piercing of myself on stage. During my performance, I'm pierced with eight sparklers."
Sara performs as part of Rogue Gallery, which is Ireland's "longest running freak show".
"We always use the stage to test new things and exciting new acts," Sara told us.
"The cabaret scene in Ireland is quite strong even if it's underground. You'll always find a burlesque show to go to.
"There's a huge scene in Cork. Dublin's burlesque scene is massive. The midlands' burlesque scene is huge as well.
"There is such huge audience participation at burlesque shows. It's part of the show, acts going into the audience."
Sara has been in the burlesque game for a number of years now, having become a favourite Dublin performer. When asked what advice she would give to someone who was considering getting into burlesque performing, she said to "just do it".
She said: "There are so many classes and floor work workshops around the place. It teaches a sensual form of dance. Burlesque has always been giving a little bit of a two fingers up to administration.
"We own ourselves. It's about your own uniqueness that you can bring to the stage. It's embracing your uniqueness with a little bit of satire as well."
The grand final of MX Burlesque Ireland takes place on Saturday, July 30 at Liberty Hall Theatre. Tickets are available here.
Read more: Ballymun born singer Zeinab gears up to release 'ultimate summer bop'
Read more: Meet the Phibsborough man who has one of the rarest jobs in the world
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest new straight to your inbox
