I got a taste of what is to come in Birmingham's first-ever Drag and Burlesque festival at House of Allure's Old School Strip - and it was as 'hot and spicy' as promised
Journalist Kirsty-Louise Card took an 'old school strip' down to Eden Bar, Birmingham for House of Allure's 101st show - and it's easy to see how the group have become the Drag and Burlesque powerhouse of the West Midlands!
Birmingham’s nightlife glittered a little brighter on Friday night (December 5) as the city welcomed a dazzling display of feathers, sequins, and unapologetic glamour.
House of Allure, a drag and burlesque collective founded in the city, promised spectators a 'hot and spicy' night as doors opened to the 101st show appropriately titled 'The Old School Strip' at Eden Bar, Gooch Street - and I can definitively say they more than delivered.
The troupe - made up of showgirls, drag kings and creatives - perfectly blended comedy, choreography, and cabaret attitude! But there were some stand out moments that took me by surprise!
'And I'm your host Locques LaRoux!'
When it comes to capturing your audience - one thing you must have for a cabaret variety performance is a charismatic host to grab everyone's attention!
Now, when you think of a cabaret show - you might think Butlin's Red Coat - but at a not-suitable-for-work show, you need a not-suitable-for-the-holiday-park host! That's where Locques LaRoux comes in!
He was the perfect blend of talented poet, comedian and flirtatious with his audience that kept Burlesque fans and so-called 'Burlesque virgins' enthralled for the whole night - whether it be poetry about how what he looks for in a man or performing musical numbers.
Paint stripper!
Now... this is where my surprise comes in.
As I've mentioned, House of Allure promised a 'hot and spicy' show - and if someone would say that to you? What outfits would you expect to see? A cheeky Ann Summers number, perhaps?
What if I told you to expect a big white boiler suit and utility belt? Well, that's what we got from the shows featured Drag King Tristan Treble!
In fact, we got multiple boiler suits - a Russian nesting-doll of boiler suit strips! Right down to a set of big black boxer shorts hilariously branded with the words 'paint stripper'.
The audience got a good laugh and cheer - and I had to admit to wooh-ing along with them!
