Show: The Martini Lounge – Christmas Cabaret
Location: The Epstein Theatre, Liverpool
Date: Friday, December 3
Time: 19.30
Age Rating: 14+
Performers: Millie Dollar, Jonathan Mayor, Edd Muir, Titsalina Bumsquash, Kim Khaos, Natasha Moonshine, Baby Daisy
Introduction
The Martini Lounge – Christmas Cabaret Show returns after almost two years, and for the first time in over five years back at The Epstein Theatre. The Theatre was the perfect venue for this decadent Burlesque variety show. A former music hall with a lot of history, it boasts red velvet plush seats and curtains along with gold rococo decoration. We were transported back to the 1940s and 50s when Hollywood starlets were in their heyday, scarlet lipstick and tight jumpers.
Burlesque is about storytelling and comedy as much as it is about sensuality and anticipation. Traditionally, Burlesque was a combination of comedy and provocative female choruses, solo dancers, singing and slapstick comedy.
In 2010 it was bought into the spotlight due to the film Burlesque, starring Christina Aguilera and Cher. It has since become an incredibly popular form of dance, both for performing and entertaining. The dance itself is unique to the performer and each burlesque dancer can have a different and varying style.
The Show
This show appealed to a mixed audience of different ages. Many of them had made a sterling effort with beautiful vintage dresses, coiffed hair and statement make up.
As the show opened, Jonathan Mayor, resplendent in emerald green sequins took charge. Known as one of the finest comperes in the country, he was funny from the outset and obviously well capable of managing the excitable crowd. His savage and sometimes self-deprecating wit had them eating out his hand within minutes.
The Martini Lounge – Christmas Cabaret show opened with Millie Dollar herself, completely professional and in control, the crowd went wild. She appeared in three of the acts, as well as producing the show. We were then treated to a variety of dancers and their different styles. Beautiful corsets, miniskirts, tassels, garters, stockings, feather boas, and lots of lace were the order of the day. The stripteases were amazing, every move perfectly choreographed. The audience encouraged the performers on and enjoyed every moment.
Variety
In between the strip dancers we were treated to variety performers. Ed Muir stepped up with his whips and impressed us with his skills which included whipping paper and flowers from incredible places! He also performed an aerial show that an Olympic gymnast would be proud of.
We were then introduced to the beautiful Natasha Moonshine, a professional Hula Hoop performer who entertained us with her amazing skills.
The other dancers, Kim Khaos, Titsalina Bumsquash, Baby Daisy each brought something different and unique to the show.
Titsalina brought comedy entertainment, perfectly timed and extremely funny. Kim was fierce and gorgeous and Baby Daisy thrilled us in a supersized glass of champagne that she splashed about in (as you do).
Summary
Regardless of body shape, size and ability, burlesque dancing is inclusive to everyone. This show provided empowering, decadent pleasure – plus a brilliantly funny host on 6 inch heels! Erotic wobbly bottoms, wonderfully exotic strip shows featuring real women and variety performers. The Martini Lounge show is back at the Epstein Theatre on 18th February 2022. Don’t miss it!
