Come taste the wine, come hear the band — London Burlesque Festival is back.
The cabaret extravaganza takes place from April 13–June 29 with more than 100 variety acts from across the world. Three venues will host: Bush Hall in Shepherd’s Bush, Conway Hall in Holborn and the Karma Sanctum hotel in Soho.
Founded by Chaz Royal in 2007, the festival is now the go-to event of the year for burlesque enthusiasts. Performers will arrive from around the UK, US, Italy, Sweden, Australia, Finland, New Zealand and the Netherlands to shake their stuff.
It’s all about “sheer glamour and tastefully risqué entertainment,” says Royal. “We help develop the most talented new and established performers, right through from the avant garde to erotic, exposing them to an international stage and the acclaim of diverse audiences.”
Three huge showcase events at Bush Hall kick things off in April, with more than a dozen acts each night. Avdotia the Russian Doll headlines Peep Show on April 13. Things go up a gear with the International Opening Gala on April 26, and the Crown Jewels selection follows on April 27.
Shows throughout May take place at Karma Sanctum Soho, with a range of more intimate offerings for those of particular taste. Drag-strip, boy-lesque, tattoo revue and nerd-lesque feature here.
Boundaries are pushed to the limit as avant-garde cabaret diva Vivid Angel leads the charge of high-risk acts at the Danger Strip Show in Bush Hall on June 14. Workshops, dance classes, fashion shows and market stalls come together for the Big Burlesque Day Out at Conway Hall on June 15, where musical theatre chanteuse Queenie O’Hart leads the charge.
London Burlesque Festival runs from April 13-June 29. Tickets cost £22.50 for Karma Sanctum Soho shows, and range from £22.50-£45 for showcases at Bush Hall and Conway Hall.
For tickets and a full schedule, visit londonburlesquefest.com
